Bryan Roberts. Courtesy, Citrus Heights Police Department website.
Bryan Roberts, a commander in the Citrus Heights Police Department in Sacramento County, has been offered the job of police chief in Menlo Park. The city announced the appointment this afternoon (July 26) saying the hiring is pending a background check and "other requirements typical for public safety officers."
Mr. Roberts will replace Bruce Goitia, who retired June 1. Chosen from a pool of more than 30 candidates who applied for the position during a nationwide search, Mr. Roberts will start his new job on Sept. 7, with a salary of $179,500.
According to a press release from the city, Mr. Roberts was hired as a commander in Citrus Heights in 2006. Before that, he held positions as corporal, sergeant, and lieutenant with the Ventura Police Department, where he worked for 20 years.
His experience includes work in investigations, narcotics, SWAT response, training, youth and family services, and internal affairs, the press release said.
Mr. Roberts holds a bachelor's degree in business management from Azusa Pacific University, and a master's degree in public administration from California State University, Northridge. He is now attending the Naval Postgraduate School for the Center of Homeland Defense and Security Masters Program, the press release said.
City Manager Glen Rojas said the police chief selection process included interview panels of community representatives, staff, and local police chiefs and city managers.
"Bryan is known for high visibility in communities where he has worked, as well as his engagement and team orientation with officers at all levels," Mr. Rojas said in a written statement. "These were the most important aspects of a new chief mentioned by the department and community leaders."