There’s A New Police Chief In Town

The hunt for a new Carlsbadistan Police Chief has ended according news released by the City of Carlsbad today.

Gary W. Morrison, who worked previously with the Long Beach Police Department, reportedly has 22 years of law enforcement experience.

Gary Morrison is a proven leader with high standards and a commitment to public service that make him a great fit for the City of Carlsbad Police Department and the Carlsbad community,” said Hildabrand. “His collaborative style and direct experience in virtually every aspect of law enforcement make him a tremendous asset to our organization.”

We have to agree he sounds well-qualified to represent the CPD. Me and Louie are going to follow the jump for all the details.

New Carlsbad police chief a strong leader with 22 years of hands on experience

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Carlsbad City Manager Lisa Hildabrand announced today the appointment of Gary W. Morrison to the position of police chief. Morrison will assume his new role June 1.

With 22 years in law enforcement, Morrison has built a reputation as a strong leader and team builder with hands on experience in a wide array of police work, including patrol, investigations, traffic, youth programs, training, disaster preparedness, SWAT team, multi-jurisdictional operations and community-oriented public safety. He has 11 years of management and supervisory experience.

“Gary Morrison is a proven leader with high standards and a commitment to public service that make him a great fit for the City of Carlsbad Police Department and the Carlsbad community,” said Hildabrand. “His collaborative style and direct experience in virtually every aspect of law enforcement make him a tremendous asset to our organization.”

Morrison built his career in law enforcement at the Long Beach Police Department, which he joined in 1987. He most recently served as a commander, overseeing more than 200 sworn and civilian personnel handling traffic, special events, air support and several specialized tactical support teams including SWAT, the K-9 unit and the critical incident management team.

Other experience includes working in the Long Beach Police Department’s youth services division and gang enforcement section. Morrison also served as a watch commander managing 50 square miles with more than 200 officers. As part of the department’s community-oriented public safety program, Morrison hosted monthly meetings for residents to address issues of concern.

Morrison was selected after an extensive nationwide recruitment. He succeeds Police Chief Tom Zoll, who is retiring from the City of Carlsbad after six years as police chief and a 30 year career in law enforcement. Zoll will stay on at the city to work with Morrison through June 30 to ensure a smooth transition of duties.

“The City of Carlsbad Police Department has an outstanding reputation, and for both providing excellent public safety and working in partnership with the community,” said Morrison. “I am really looking forward to becoming a part of the community and working with local residents and businesses.”

The City of Carlsbad Police Department consistently earns high marks from the community. In the city’s annual survey, 90 percent of Carlsbad residents reported being satisfied with the city’s law enforcement services.

Morrison holds a Master of Arts degree in organizational leadership from Chapman University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography from California State University, Long Beach. He is a graduate of the West Point Leadership – LAPD Academy, the FBI National Academy and the Sherman Block Leadership Institute.

Community members are invited to attend a swearing in ceremony and reception to meet their new police chief June 1, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the city’s Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Ave.

The City of Carlsbad Police Department employs 162 full-time personnel, including 115 sworn officers and 47 civilian employees. The department’s General Fund budget for FY 2008-09 is $27.3 million. The department also has an additional $213,000 in grant and asset forfeiture funding.