For the first time in over two years, Vallejo is getting a permanent police chief. City Manager Andrew Murray announced Tuesday that Interim Police Chief Jason Ta had been promoted to the role.
Ta has led Vallejo’s police department since Shawny Williams’ abrupt resignation in November 2022. Ta was serving as deputy chief at the time. He’d been with the San Jose Police Department for 27 years prior.
Ta’s promotion follows a controversial selection process. There was initially criticism over a lack of Black candidates being considered for the role. The other finalists were former San Francisco Deputy Police Chief Mikail Ali and Fresno Deputy Police Chief Mark Salizar.
Murray said Ta had distinguished himself by “improving community relationships and advancing the collaborative reform effort.” Murray also credited Ta with stabilizing staffing levels and increasing the number of state-recommended police reforms.
Although staffing has improved, the city remains under a state of emergency that was declared in 2022 over the hemorrhaging of police officers. Despite the new reforms, Vallejo PD is facing recent allegations of excessive use of force.
Despite the challenges, Ta said he was honored to be chosen for the permanent chief position.
“My commitment to the community, city, and department remains steadfast as we continue our journey in elevating the Vallejo Police Department in becoming the ‘Gold Standard’ of public safety,” Ta remarked. “We have come a long way and still have much road ahead."
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