Santa Cruz Names Interim Police Chief

SANTA CRUZ, CA -- Deputy Chief Bernie Escalante has been appointed to serve as the Interim Chief of the Santa Cruz Police Department, effective Oct. 30, the City of Santa Cruz announced Oct. 21.

Escalante, a Santa Cruz native, is a 25-year veteran of the SCPD. He began his career at the Santa Cruz Police Department as a community service officer in 1996 and soon after transitioned to a patrol officer. He was promoted to sergeant in 2003 and served as a property crimes detective and tactical team leader, among other assignments. Escalante earned the promotion to the position of lieutenant in 2009, where he managed the Investigations Division and was the Commander of the Emergency Services Unit Tactical Team, and distinguished himself as the primary lieutenant in the Neighborhood Policing Unit.

He was appointed to the rank of Deputy Chief in February 2020. He steps in to fill the shoes for former SCPD Chief Andy Mills who resigned Oct. 12 to become Chief of Police for the City of Palm Springs.

“Interim Chief Escalante will bring to the position a deep knowledge of department operations and officers and a sharp focus on serving the needs of the community. He brings a track record of results, particularly in investigations and neighborhood policing, and I am confident in his leadership as he takes on this critical role for the city,” Interim City Manager Rosemary Menard said.

Escalante grew up on the west side of Santa Cruz. He went to Santa Cruz High, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He earned a BA in Social Science from San Francisco State and went on to earn a Masters of Science degree in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. He completed the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Law Enforcement Command College in 2014.

“I plan to hit the ground running," Escalante said. "My first priorities will be building our staffing and expanding on the trusting community relationships and innovative problem-solving brought to Santa Cruz by Chief Mills. I am constantly impressed by the dedication and professionalism of our law enforcement team here in Santa Cruz, and I am honored to lead this dynamic department as an Interim Chief.”

Escalante will serve in the role of Interim Chief until a permanent appointee is named, which is expected to occur following the appointment of a permanent city manager. The former city manager, Martin Bernal, retired earlier this year.