DAVID NISLEIT APPOINTED AS NEXT POLICE CHIEF
On Feb. 1, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer announced the appointment of Chief David Nisleit – the current San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Assistant Chief – as the next Chief of Police.
Assistant Chief Nisleit has worked for SDPD for three decades in various capacities. Currently, he is responsible for nine patrol commands, the Watch Commander’s Office and the Homeless Outreach Team. He has previously held leadership positions in SWAT; the Gang Unit, the Centralized Investigations unit; and the Western, Northern and Mid-City Patrol divisions.
“As a native San Diegan and someone who has dedicated the last 30 years of his life to this city and department, it is both a privilege and an honor to become the next San Diego Police Chief,” Nisleit said in a press release announcing his selection. “Keeping San Diego one of the safest large cities in America will be one of my top priorities.”
Nisleit will replace Chief Shelley Zimmerman, who has served in the role since March 2014. After a 35-year SDPD career, Chief Zimmerman is stepping down to retire.
“Assistant Chief Dave Nisleit and I have worked together for years. He is hardworking, honest, and fair. I trust him and believe that he will do an excellent job as San Diego’s next chief of police,” Assemblymember Todd Gloria said in a statement after the appointment. “I have spoken with Dave and he is committed to being a chief of police that collaborates with the community, seeks neighborhood input and builds partnerships with stakeholders.”
The months-long national search to replace Chief Zimmerman began in September 2017. The selection process involved community and professional interview panels, which yielded overwhelming recommendation of Nisleit from both groups.
“The interview panels saw what I already knew about Chief Nisleit: that he is a man of character who cares deeply about San Diego, our residents and our officers,” Faulconer said in the release.
In addition to community policing, Faulconer also noted that Nisleit will focus his efforts on a national recruiting effort to achieve a fully-staffed department.
