HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2025-08-12_09.f. Confirmation of Chief of Police_CulverItem 9.f.
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM: Matthew Downing, City Manager
SUBJECT: Confirmation of Appointment of David Culver as Chief of Police
DATE: August 12, 2025
RECOMMENDATION:
Confirm the appointment of David Culver as the Chief of Police, effective August 15, 2025.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
The position is currently budgeted in the FY 2025-27 Biennial Budget.
BACKGROUND:
The Chief of Police position became vacant on May 30, 2025, with the retirement of Chief
Michael Martinez. The City completed a robust, nationwide executive recruitment process
for the position, and David Culver was selected to serve as the next Chief of Police.
David Culver has served in law enforcement for 17 years, joining the Arroyo Grande
Police Department from the Santa Maria Police Department in 2019 as a full -time Police
Officer. Since then, he has risen in the ranks and has served as a Field Train ing Officer,
Patrol Sergeant/Watch Commander, SLO Regional SWAT Assistant Tactical
Commander, Support Division Commander, and Patrol Division Commander. As a
Commander for three years, he has been responsible for patrol, detectives,
property/evidence, training, administrative services, and a wide variety of other tasks.
David Culver has also served as a member of the Santa Maria SWAT Team, a Special
Victims Detective, Community Service Officer, and Firearms Instructor. Additionally, he
has been serving as an Academy Instructor for the Allan Hancock College Law
Enforcement Program since 2019. David Culver also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree
in Criminal Justice from California Coast University.
David Culver embodies the qualities that the Arroyo Grande community has come to
expect from the men and women of the Arroyo Grande Police Department: integrity,
humility, commitment, trustworthiness, and compassion.
Page 274 of 548
Item 9.f.
City Council
Confirmation of Appointment of David Culver as Chief of Police
August 12, 2025
Page 2
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
Per Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Section 2.34.010, the Chief of Police shall be
appointed by the City Manager with the concurrence and confirmation of the City Council.
The City Manager has absolute confidence in David Culver to serve as the City’s Chief of
Police and, therefore, submits his appointment to the City Council for confirmation.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
1. Confirm David Culver as the Chief of Police;
2. Do not confirm David Culver as the Chief of Police and direct the City Manager to
undertake additional recruiting; or
3. Provide other direction to the City Manager.
ADVANTAGES:
Confirmation of the appointment of the Chief of Police will ensure the continuity of strong
leadership for the Police Department.
DISADVANTAGES:
No disadvantages were identified.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
No environmental review is required for this item.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with
Government Code Section 54954.2.
Page 275 of 548