12/06/2024

As Chief of Police, I am deeply honored to serve the Salinas community and lead the Salinas Police Department. With over 26 years of experience in law enforcement, I bring a commitment to fostering safety, trust, and collaboration within our diverse community. My career has been dedicated to innovative policing strategies, effective leadership, and community engagement—all with the goal of making my community a safer and welcoming city for everyone.

I believe in a proactive and community-centered approach to policing. By building strong partnerships with residents, businesses, and local organizations, we can enhance public safety while upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Together, we can address challenges, celebrate successes, and create meaningful solutions that benefit all.

In 2024 alone, the Salinas Police Department removed over 200 firearms from our streets and achieved significant reductions in robberies, assaults, burglaries, and homicides. These accomplishments reflect the dedication and bravery of the men and women of the department who work tirelessly to keep our city safe. As a department, we are committed to prioritize:

• Public Safety Strategy: Developing innovative approaches to reduce crime and improve the quality of life for all residents.
• Community Partnerships: Strengthening relationships by engaging, educating, and empowering our community to be part of the process and solutions.
• Workforce Development: Recruiting and retaining talented officers and staff while providing the resources and mentorship needed for exceptional service.
• Training and Excellence: Investing in training and development to ensure our team is equipped, compassionate, and prepared to meet the complexities of modern policing.

My vision is to lead a police department that serves as a model for effective and ethical law enforcement. By leveraging technology, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and prioritizing community voices, I aim to ensure that every resident of Salinas feels heard, respected, and protected. The City of Salinas deserves a department that reflects its values, embraces diversity, and continuously strives to improve. My promise is to work tirelessly to enhance public safety, reduce violent crime, and improve the quality of life for all. Let’s work together to make a difference.

Carlos Acosta
Chief of Police, Salinas Police Department