Chris Moore was introduced Tuesday as San Jose’s ninth chief of police, after serving in the role in an interim basis for the last three months.
His selection, made by City Manager Debra Figone and ratified unanimously by the City Council, ended months of speculation onf who would get the job, including a restless final few weeks in which Figone had to decide between Moore and Oakland chief of police Anthony Batts.
Many were calling for an outsider to lead the department, which has been dogged by low morale and public outcry over the aggressive treatment of minorities in the downtown area. Moore seemed to get the message, and noted as much in his first public remarks.
“I am both honored and humbled to have been chosen to lead the men and women of the San José Police Department,” he said. “During the community meetings it became very clear that for many segments of the community, trust in the police department is at a low level. I have heard that message loudly and clearly and I am taking steps to begin bridging that gap.”
Figone said Moore was the right man for many reasons, including the need for a steady presence as the city and police go through contentious labor negotiations.
“I am confident in his ability to rebuild trust between the community and the Department,” Figone said. “With his character, integrity, intellect, and long-time commitment to San Jose, Chris has the right motivation and mix of skills to manage and stabilize the workforce and to be an excellent Chief of Police for the residents of San Jose.”
The process included more than 1,200 community members participating in meetings over several months, and an online community survey generated 140 responses while nearly 270 Police Department employees responded to the Police Workforce Online Survey.
Meanwhile, Batts returns to Oakland, a city uncertain if its chief is really invested in the community after attempting to leave for San Jose. He said he will be meeting with Mayor Jean Quan this week.
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