By Tony Hicks –
Martinez Police Chief Manjit Sappal is retiring after six-and-a-half years on the job, the city announced on its website.
His last day is Thursday. Sappal’s retirement will end a 26-year-career with several communities.
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to serve the Martinez community as their chief of police,” Sappal said in a statement. “I will always cherish the memories of working with men and women that go above and beyond to keep our community safe. Even in times of adversity, our folks have worked hard to build meaningful relationships with community members and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to public safety each day.
“Although I will miss my colleagues and the Martinez community, I am confident the city is in good hands and will continue to its strong record of public safety.”
The city says during Sappal’s time, the department has modernized its processes and addressed a variety of public safety challenges, including homelessness.
“Chief Sappal has been a cornerstone of the Martinez Police Department for many years,” Mayor Rob Schroder said in the statement. “His deep commitment to our city, staff, officers and community set him apart and enabled him to accomplish important community milestones. His balance of knowledge, foresight and experience will be missed.”
Sappal started his career with the Pittsburg Police Department and then served in Richmond for 18 years, where he rose through the ranks to become captain. He also earned a master’s degree in public administration from Golden Gate University and graduated from the FBI National Academy and Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police.
The city will hire an interim chief while conducting an executive search for a successor.
You’ve “addressed” homelessness? Like commented on it or actually took action. Because it doesn’t look like it when going downtown that’s for sure.
Had coffee with a friend this morning who worked with him in Richmond. Says the guy is a good person; may have actually earned his six figure retirement.
On the second cup: discussion if regular retirement or medical retirement? One article in a media source say’s he mentioned back issues.
Friend says if you do the math a medical retirement can be more lucrative because a larger portion of it is tax free.
However; I’d rather have less money and no pain….
On the third cup; subject changed to more important things….. BBQ!
I have to disagree with the “scam” statement unless you are saying they deserve more than 50%. It is a very physical career path which can lead to long-term body aches and body pains (bad knees, bad back, PTSD). Assuming the officers are on the up and up, I think they deserve more than 50%.
Smart move. Get it while you can.
When the music stops, not everyone will get a chair
It appears he hired people based on race. An article on Patch seems to imply that.
All PD’s are doing that right now. Have you seen the last two woke years.
The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) has ruined law enforcement with its influence on misguided and dangerous policy/procedure. And Chief who espouses PERF’s ideals should be removed, for the good of the Department and the community served.