Novato Names City's First Female Top Cop

NOVATO, CA — The city of Novato on Wednesday named its first female Top Cop.

Beth Johnson, who currently serves as a police captain for the city of Martinez, will be Novato’s 12th police chief and the first woman to lead the force.

Johnson was selected following a national search to replace Matthew McCaffrey, who retired in December.

She starts her new job July 5 at an annual salary of $226,596.

A public swearing-in ceremony is tentatively scheduled for July 19.

“I feel fortunate and humbled to have been selected to lead the highly-skilled professionals of the Novato Police Department,” Johnson said in a statement.

“I look forward to building relationships and fostering a culture of inclusion not only within the Police Department but with the Novato community. I am proud to serve as Novato’s first female Chief of Police.”

Johnson is Bay Area native with a 28-year career in law enforcement. She rose through the ranks specializing in investigations, field training, community policing and youth outreach programs.

“As a proven leader, Chief Johnson brings a breadth of experience and values to Novato. I am confident that, with her extensive knowledge and collaborative approach, she will continue to enhance and evolve the high level of public safety services, transparency and trust our community deserves,” City Manager Adam McGill said in a statement.

“I’d also like to thank our community members who participated in our outreach survey, interview panels, and shared their input as part of the decision-making process that led to the selection of Chief Johnson — together we are shaping our city’s future.”