REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Recognition of Michael “Mike” J. Sellers, Chief of Police
Report
BACKGROUND
Police Chief Michael J. Sellers began his career with the Santa Clara Police Department as a Cadet in 1978. Since, he has spent his entire law enforcement career with the City of Santa Clara.
In 1982, he became a Police Reserve before being hired as a Police Officer in 1985.
The Chief has worked a wide variety of unique assignments including undercover narcotics in the Specialized Crimes Action Team (SCAT), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and the Santa Clara County Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Task Force. He has also been a Field Training Officer and was a charter member of the Special Enforcement Team (SET).
He was promoted to Sergeant in 1997 where he supervised a Patrol team and was a member of our Special Response Team (SRT).
In 2004, he progressed to Lieutenant. During the course of his tenure in his classification, he worked as the Patrol watch commander oversaw special operations, coordinated the Reserve Officer program, assisted with the Citizen’s Police Academy, served as the liaison to other City Departments as the special event coordinator and represented SCPD as the Public Information Officer.
In 2008, he advanced to the rank of Captain and took command of the Field Operations Division. In July, 2010, he rotated to the Administrative Services Division and promoted to Assistant Chief in January, 2012.
He is a graduate of California State University Long Beach and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Studies. Mike is also a graduate of the Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.
The City of Santa Clara’s Chief of Police is elected, therefore appointed by City of Santa Clara voters. He ran unopposed in the November, 2012 election for Chief of Police. He was sworn in to this role at the December 18, 2012 City Council meeting. The Chief was re-elected in 2016, and was sworn in to begin his second term on December 13, 2016.
DISCUSSION
Marking the end of a four-decade long career in law enforcement, on June 25, 2019, Chief Sellers announced his retirement, effective September 1, 2019.
During this tenure as Chief of Police, the Department has celebrated many accomplishments, including but not limited to:
• Transitioned to a new state of the art P25 digital radio system in cooperation with the Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Authority
• Developed the Department’s web and social media presence for community outreach and interaction
• Created a detailed operations plan for Levi’s Stadium, added new per diem classifications to support stadium operations and successfully hosted 116 major events, including Super Bowl 50 and the 2019 College National Championship game
• Implemented the Department’s body worn camera program
• Facilitated a staffing and operational analysis of the Department resulting in the addition of 24 positions
• Managed technology enhancements in the Communications Center, including adding Cal COP software to provide a regional picture of police activity among agencies throughout several Bay Area counties, Text-to-911, replacement of the Department’s Mobile Data Computers and the city’s Computer Aided Dispatch system
• Improved staff safety features at the Police Building and in the Pistol Range
• Coordinated a year-long project evaluating the public’s perception of the Police Department, validating high confidence and trust ratings among residents
• Utilized findings from the citizen survey to increase and enhance community engagement opportunities among residents and businesses (e.g. City-wide Neighborhood Watch meeting, Chat with the Chief, Coffee with a Cop, Active Shooter Preparedness and Prevention, Talk and Tour, Open House, Citizens’ Police Academy, miscellaneous community meetings on a variety of topics, etc.)
• Secured significant funds through grants to facilitate community programs and purchase frontline law enforcement equipment
• Purchased a Crime Scene Vehicle
• Adopted Lexipol public safety policy manual
In addition, Chief Sellers served on a number of County-wide committees (e.g. Human Trafficking Committee, AB109 Board, Re-entry Board, etc.) and built strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office and Sherriff’s Office, local law enforcement agencies, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Santa Clara Unified School District and several faith based organizations.
Chief Sellers retires from public service with exemplary, honorable and admirable service to our community over the last 34 years. In recognition for his many contributions and dedicated service to the City and Santa Clara Police Department, the City, the City Council will present him with a City Proclamation.
Chief Sellers intends to continue his involvement in the community, including incoming President for Santa Clara Rotary, in his retirement.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonable foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the City Manager’s Office and Office of the Mayor and Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no cost to the City other than staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager