Chief Dave Norris plans to retire at the end of this year after five years leading the Menlo Park Police Department and more than 30 years working in San Mateo County law enforcement, he informed city officials last week.
Norris took the reins of the department in April 2021, amid a national reckoning over police practices following the 2020 murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. During a Menlo Park City Council meeting discussing potential reforms on June 18, 2020, then-police Chief Dave Bertini abruptly announced his retirement, saying he had “lost the trust of the City Council.”
After a brief tenure by interim Chief Dave Spiller, Norris took over in April 2021 — making him the third Menlo Park chief named Dave in a row.
“It was a great day for Menlo Park when Chief Norris joined our police department. He is an exceptional leader and communicator who cares deeply about people,” Mayor Betsy Nash told The Almanac. “Chief Norris built a strong team and established a solid relationship with the community – it will be hard to fill his shoes.”
In an interview shortly after starting in Menlo Park, Norris said he wanted to bring stability, rebuild trust and lean into data-driven, community-oriented policing. At the time, he said he planned to stay at least five years and leave the department well-positioned for the next decade.
During his tenure, Menlo Park police installed dash cameras on patrol vehicles and updated radio communication equipment. The department also piloted zero-emissions vehicles.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the everlasting support of my family and friends, the great relationships I’ve built with the community (even and especially those who have been willing to debate and discuss differing viewpoints), our city leaders, and the incredible professionals in the Menlo Park Police Department,” Norris said in an email to The Almanac.
Norris said that while he will retire at the end of 2026, he plans to remain local and continue serving the community.
“I have chosen the end of 2026 because as leaders, we can always set another goal, another initiative, another ‘anything,’ that might drive us on and push our finish line further out,” Norris said. “I’m choosing to set the finish line, give this great department support and momentum, and venture forth on my own timing, with a smooth transition to the next chief of police.”
Before joining Menlo Park, Norris spent 27 years with the San Mateo Police Department, where he served in several roles, including juvenile detective, lieutenant, captain and interim police chief.
“Chief Dave Norris dedicated more than 25 years of service to the San Mateo Police Department, where he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our profession, our organization, and the community we serve,” San Mateo Police Chief Ed Barberini said in a statement to this news organization. “On behalf of the men and women of the San Mateo Police Department, we extend our sincere appreciation to Dave for his years of service and wish him and his family a long, healthy and well-deserved retirement.”
Menlo Park officials signed a contract for up to $30,000, plus expenses, with recruiting firm Teri Black and Company to find Norris’ successor, city spokesperson Kendra Calvert said in an email.
Chief Norris, you have been and are a phenomenal leader and chief for Menlo Park Police. While I am sorry to see you reach the timing of what is no doubt a much-deserved retirement, you are leaving a profound and lasting impact and legacy for the city, the broader community, and for those you led and mentored. Thank you and may the years ahead be fulfilling to you in your pursuits! Best, Rebecca Matteson Nelson