Permanent East Palo Alto police chief Jeff Liu was appointed to the job last week, city officials said.
Liu, who began his police career as an officer with the department in September 2000, has been appointed to the top post, City Manager Melvin Gaines told the East Palo Alto City Council at their April 18 meeting.
Liu was promoted to sergeant in 2009, major in 2015 and acting chief in 2021.
His appointment was the result of an extensive recruiting and selection process that involved community members, city staff and the council, according to city officials.
"With more than 20 years of experience working here in the City of East Palo Alto, Jeff has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our residents," said Deputy Mayor Antonio Lopez.
Liu is a board member of the California State University East Bay Forensic Science Research Center and the Wine Country Marines. He is also an instructor in the training and development of police cadets at police academies throughout the Bay Area.
“I would like to take a moment to thank you, my community, for your support throughout my years at East Palo Alto, during the last two years when I served as your interim chief, and during my selection process for the permanent position as Chief of Police," Liu said in a statement on Monday.
In turn, he also said that the community and the City Council "without a doubt helped convince our City Manager that I was the best candidate to serve as his police chief."
“Last week, the Gaines City Manager made it official and named me his Chief of Police. I am deeply honored by the selection and look forward to building our department in collaboration with you."
With information from Bay City News.
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