City of Scotts Valley has selected Jayson Rutherford as its next chief of police, promoting a 28-year veteran who has spent his entire law enforcement career with the city.
Rutherford, a Stockton native, joined the Scotts Valley Police Department in 1998 after graduating from college. Over the years, he has served as a police officer, sergeant and captain, completing a variety of special assignments. He was serving as administration captain when he was temporarily promoted to interim police chief in November.
Throughout his career, Rutherford has supervised all aspects of the department and worked closely with other city departments. City officials said his institutional knowledge of both the police department and the city will help maintain continuity of leadership and continue the city’s tradition of community-based policing.
“I’m excited to promote Jayson to the police chief role. I’m confident he will lead the department with integrity and calm, by supporting our staff and listening to our community,” said City Manager Mali LaGoe. “He brings the perfect balance of historical context and a learner mentality that will help our city continue to serve the community well.”
Rutherford holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from California State University, Stanislaus and a master’s degree in public safety from the University of Virginia. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the California Police Chiefs Association Executive Leadership Certification Program and the California POST Executive Development Course.
“I have dedicated my entire 28-year law enforcement career to the City of Scotts Valley,” Rutherford said. “I am fully invested in the community, both personally and professionally. I live here, I’ve raised my family here, and the continued safety and quality of life for our community means everything to me.”
Rutherford also serves on the California Police Chiefs Association State Legislative Committee and is a member of the Scotts Valley Kiwanis service club.
“It is my honor and privilege to serve my community as chief,” he added. “I understand the unique needs and desires of our community and so do my staff. My vision is to enhance our community relationships through accountability and collaboration, which are reasons why our department has enjoyed such strong community support for the last 60 years.”
Rutherford will be sworn in as the seventh police chief in Scotts Valley’s 60-year history on Monday, March 2.
