Concluding a rigorous, exhaustive search and evaluation process, Redwood City has appointed a new police chief. Meynard “J.R.” Gamez, currently a Captain with the San Jose Police Department, will begin work as Redwood City’s new Police Chief on December 2, 2011. His annual salary will be $186,984.
Mr. Gamez has been with the San Jose Police Department for over 25 years, where he rose through the ranks from patrol officer to Captain. During his tenure there, he gained the extensive professional experience, knowledge, skill and commitment to community that made him the top candidate to oversee the Redwood City Police Department.
“J.R.’s track record is exemplary, across the entire range of key attributes that contribute to a dedicated, creative, and successful leader,” said Bob Bell, City Manager of Redwood City. “We had a number of truly excellent candidates for this position and it was a very difficult decision. J.R.’s focus on creating partnerships, bridge-building, and community involvement, as well as his vast experience in San Jose, showed us that he’s the right choice for our community.”
Throughout his career in law enforcement, Mr. Gamez has consistently exhibited the highest professional standards, and has achieved an outstanding reputation for innovation, creative problem-solving, and mentoring. Among the accomplishments of which he is most proud, Mr. Gamez points to his leadership in Community Policing and Safe Neighborhoods initiatives, his groundbreaking work in gang suppression and rebuilding programs, mentoring youth with the Hispanic Development Corporation’s Youth Leadership Conference and in various elementary school programs, and his role as a divisional co-chair of the Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force. “This opportunity to lead the forward-thinking, talented, professional staff of the Redwood City Police Department is unparalleled, and I’m very excited about becoming part of this very special city” said Mr. Gamez. “I’m a big believer in building long-term, trusting partnerships that facilitate cooperation and directly address quality-of -life issues, and I know this belief is shared throughout the Redwood City community. The men and women of the Redwood City Police Department have an exceptional reputation as a professional and dedicated organization, and it’s a privilege to serve on the same team. The future looks very bright here, and I’m proud to have the opportunity to contribute.”
The Redwood City Police Chief position has been filled on an interim basis internally since the retirement of former chief Louis Cobarruviaz in January of this year.