Robert Jonsen, a 26-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, has been named the new police chief of Menlo Park, City Manager Alex McIntyre announced Wednesday (Jan. 30).
Mr. Jonsen succeeds Lee Violett, who has been interim chief since the former chief, Bryan Roberts, left last August.
Mr. Jonsen, who is expected to take over in mid-February, "brings a unique blend of successful experience in police operations, community awareness and sensitivity, and innovative use of technology," Mr. McIntyre said in a press release.
For the past two years, the new chief has been captain of the Lancaster Sheriff's Station in Los Angeles County, overseeing 227 deputies in the city of about 157,000 residents. Prior to that, he headed an "anti-crime effort in Antelope Valley that helped reduce crime rates to their lowest in over a decade," according to the Menlo Park press release.
Mr. Jonsen holds a bachelor's degree from California State University, Long Beach, and a master's degree in organizational leadership from Woodbury University in Southern California.
"There are no words to adequately express my excitement returning to the Bay Area after living and working in Los Angeles for the past 30 years," Mr. Jonsen said in the press release. He was born and raised in the Bay Area, according to Menlo Park city staff.
He will be formally appointed after a Peace Officer Standards and Training compliant background check is conducted. The check is required of California police chiefs when they accept a position in a department where they are not currently employed, according to the press release.
Comments
another community
on Jan 30, 2013 at 7:45 pm
on Jan 30, 2013 at 7:45 pm
The citizens of Menlo Park are in for genuine treat as they welcome Chief Jonsen into their police force. I have had the pleasure of working for this man in several capacities from patrol deputy, Field Training Officer, and Sergeant while assigned to both Palmdale and Lancaster Sheriff's Stations (Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department). His innovative ideas and dedication to the communities he serves are a true testament to his character, values and personal integrity. Mr. Jonsen personally counseled and mentored me as a new patrol deputy, and monitored my career to ensure I was successful. I can say his influence greatly impacted my career and helped others develop into the leaders of our department. A close friend, as well as his wife, they will be greatly missed by us...but should be welcomed warmly by you.
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Jan 30, 2013 at 8:57 pm
on Jan 30, 2013 at 8:57 pm
That's nice lets see if he will stick around.