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Pleasanton’s new Chief of Police Tracy Avelar was sworn in during a ceremony last Wednesday, officially making her the city’s first ever permanent female police chief.
Pleasanton Police Department spokesperson Teri Yan told the Weekly that Avelar took her oath of office at the Veterans Memorial Hall on Jan. 8 in front of approximately 150 attendees including the chief’s family, friends, colleagues, and representatives from various California law enforcement agencies.
“It is truly an honor to serve as the first female chief of the city of Pleasanton’s Police Department, but this appointment is about the entire organization and the incredible and important work that is done everyday,” Avelar said in a statement to the Weekly on Jan. 13.
Avelar, will be the permanent replacement for former chief David Swing, who left the agency back in April in order to take a new job at the East Bay Regional Communications System Authority. She will be directly succeeding Gina Anderson, Newark’s former police chief, who has been PPD’s interim leader since May.
The city first announced the news of hiring the former Foster City Police Department chief back in late November. Her first official day on the job was Dec. 9.
Avelar first joined the Foster City Police Department in 2002 and moved her way up the ranks to become the first female lieutenant, captain and police chief in that city’s history.
During her time there, she oversaw various departments such as youth services, crime prevention, hiring and other day-to-day operations. She also managed other programs such as field training, SWAT and traffic enforcement and while she was captain, she was responsible for administrative and operational divisions, overseeing dispatch, records, investigations and budget preparation.
Apart from bringing more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, Yan said Avelar is currently the president of the California Police Chiefs Association and has also served on the San Mateo County Police Chiefs and Sheriff Executive Board.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice management and a master’s degree in homeland security from the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security.
“(The) Pleasanton Police Department has built a stellar reputation for professionalism, innovation and a deep commitment to the community, which I now have the honor of witnessing firsthand,” Avelar said in a statement to the Weekly. “My role will be to maintain and enhance that tradition of excellence. I truly believe when an organization is healthy and happy internally, our team thrives and our city thrives.”
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