Residents of Soledad, California now have an opportunity to influence the selection of the next Police Chief through a newly launched community survey. This initiative comes after the retirement of long-serving Police Chief Damon Wasson, who dedicated 17 years to the Soledad Police Department and accumulated a total of 36 years in law enforcement.

Survey Insights

The survey is designed to gather valuable insights from community members regarding their expectations for the new Police Chief. It consists of five key questions that address:

• Essential skills required for the role
• Desired leadership qualities
• The nature of community engagement expected from the Chief

By participating, residents can ensure that their voices are heard in shaping the future leadership of the police department.

Survey Accessibility

The community survey is easily accessible online in both English and Spanish. Additionally, physical copies are available at City Hall. The deadline for submitting responses is set for April 4th, providing ample time for residents to share their opinions.

Interim Leadership

During this transitional period, Deputy Chief Fred Lombardi is serving as the interim Police Chief while the city evaluates candidates for the permanent position. This approach aims to maintain operational continuity and community trust during the selection process.