After a national search, Mayor Todd Gloria announced he is appointing current Assistant Chief Scott Wahl to be the next Chief of Police for the San Diego Police Department.
“Assistant Chief Wahl shares my commitment to ensure every San Diegan in every neighborhood is safe, while also bringing about the necessary changes to the department in order the build trust and meet our community’s expectations of today, Gloria says.
A 25-year veteran of SDPD, Wahl currently oversees Special Projects and Legislative Affairs. He is responsible for implementing federal, state and local legislative changes throughout the organization. He served as the department’s spokesperson for three years.
“I am honored by the trust our mayor has put in me to lead the San Diego Police Department, “Wahl says. “I look forward to working collaboratively with him, the City Council, and our community to ensure public safety and a better quality of life for all.”
A lifelong resident of San Diego, Wahl is the son of a San Diego police officer. He and his wife, Stephanie, have four children.
Wahl is being appointed to succeed Chief David Nisleit, who will retire in June after 36 years of service to the SDPD.
In accordance with city council policy, the council is required to interview Wahl for the position as well as receive public comment. The council then must docket the mayor’s appointment for a vote. SDSun
