CC 2020-07-14_06b Confirmation of Appointment of Chief of PoliceMEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BILL ROBESON, ACTING CITY MANAGER
WHITNEY McDONALD, ACTING DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF
OF POLICE
DATE: JULY 14, 2020
SUMMARY OF ACTION:
Confirmation of the appointment of Chief of Police.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
The position is fully funded in the FY 2020-21 Annual Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the City Council confirm the appointment of Michael Martinez as the
Chief of Police. If confirmed, the City Clerk will administer the oath of office.
BACKGROUND:
The Chief of Police position became vacant on July 9, 2020, with the retirement of Chief
Beau Pryor. Upon notification of Chief Pryor’s intended retirement date, the City’s Acting
City Manager and Acting Deputy City Manager began a thorough evaluation process of
two internal candidates for Chief Pryor’s replacement, the City’s two Police Commanders.
The internal process included multiple interviews of both Police Commanders, and
discussions with Chief Pryor, the Chief’s Executive Assistant, and the Police Officer
Association President (POA). Peer evaluations were also conducted and closely reviewed
by the Acting City Manager and Acting Deputy City Manager. Additionally, staff met with
a local diversity group for their perspective and input regarding ideal characteristics of the
City’s new Chief of Police.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
According to Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Section 2.34.010, the Chief of Police shall
be appointed or removed by the City Manager with the concurrence and confirmation of
the City Council.
After the thorough internal evaluation process, the Acting City Manager has selected
Commander Michael Martinez as the City’s new Chief of Police.
Item 6.b. - Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
JULY 14, 2020
PAGE 2
Commander Martinez has served in law enforcement for 18 years, joining the Arroyo
Grande Police Department from the Grover Beach Police Department in 2005 as a full-
time Police Officer. Since then, he has risen in the ranks and has served as a Field
Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant and Watch Commander, Traffic Officer, Detective
Sergeant, and Commander. As a Commander for over four years, he has been
responsible for patrol, detectives, property/evidence, training, administrative services,
and a wide variety of other tasks. Currently and for more than the past 10
years, Commander Martinez has been serving as a SWAT Team Leader and an Allan
Hancock College Law Enforcement Instructor.
Commander Martinez’s qualifications, proven commitment to public service and the City
of Arroyo Grande, and vision for the Department to cultivate and promote community trust
with all residents and visitors, make him the ideal candidate to succeed Chief Pryor. City
Management is confident that Commander Martinez will be successful in the
Department’s continuous improvement, working with and helping diverse populations,
and implementing effective operational strategies and will lead ethically and with integrity
into the future, as did his predecessor.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
1. Confirm Commander Martinez as the Chief of Police;
2. Do not confirm Commander Martinez as the Chief of Police and direct the Acting
City Manager to undertake additional recruitment;
3. Provide direction to the Acting City Manager.
ADVANTAGES:
Confirmation of the appointment of 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.
Item 6.b. - Page 2