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The city of Pleasanton has selected Tracy Avelar, Foster City’s current chief of police, as the Pleasanton Police Department’s next police chief, the city announced on Monday.
Avelar, whose first day on the job in Pleasanton is scheduled to be Dec. 9, rose to the top during a competitive recruitment process because of her extensive experience in police leadership and innovation, according to the city’s press release. She will become the first woman ever to lead the department on a permanent basis.
“Pleasanton holds a special place in my heart, and I am truly honored to step into the role of Police Chief for the City,” Avelar said in the press release. “I have so much respect for the men and women of this department and look forward to working alongside them to continue building strong community partnerships, ensuring public safety, and fostering trust and transparency.”
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 for the past seven months.
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, according to the press release. 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.
“Chief Avelar has a proven track record of leadership and innovation in law enforcement, and we are excited to welcome her to Pleasanton,” City Manager Gerry Beaudin, who made the final hiring decision, said in the press release. “Her dedication to community engagement, public safety and operational excellence will be a great asset to our city.”
Avelar is also currently the president of the California Police Chiefs Association and has served on the San Mateo County Police Chiefs and Sheriff Executive Board, according to the city.
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.
