Following what Vallejo officials described as a “robust national search,” Jason Ta has been appointed as the new permanent chief of police.
Although the city manager of Vallejo has complete faith in Ta, some detractors are questioning the decision.
Ta will officially take over a department where the high-profile police shootings of Sean Monterrosa and Willie McCoy have garnered international attention due to the behavior of its officers. Ta was not yet a member of the department when those two occurrences occurred.
The state attorney general’s scrutiny, multi-million dollar settlements, and terminations followed the killings. Calls for the governor to step in were sparked by the department’s staffing crisis.
Since Shawny Williams’ resignation in November 2022, Ta has been acting as temporary chief for the past two years. He will take over an agency that is dealing with a high homicide rate, a personnel shortage, and public outrage over police wrongdoing and use of force. Since 2020, the department has been governed by the state.
Wide-ranging reforms are being implemented by Vallejo Police Department to address racial bias and excessive force.
Ta has worked in police enforcement for a long time. Before joining Vallejo as a deputy chief in 2021, he spent 27 years with the San Jose Police Department.
During his tenure as temporary chief, Ta has stabilized staffing levels, implemented crime reduction technology, enhanced community relations, and guided the implementation of state-mandated police reforms, according to Vallejo City Manager Andrew Murray, who selected Ta.
However, not everyone agrees that Ta’s promotion was the best course of action. Attorney Ben Nisenbaum, who has represented clients in Vallejo in instances involving allegations of police violence, expressed skepticism that Ta will prioritize police reform.
“Has he taken any actions since taking over that would show that he is genuinely dedicated to transforming the department’s culture to one of accountability? One of self-control?” Nisenbaum inquired. “You know, I haven’t seen it.”
Next month, Ta will assume his permanent position. Last February, Open Vallejo reported that Ta had accepted the job as police chief in Salinas, but the following week the city re-opened its search.
Salinas’s interim city manager at the time said that he wanted to broaden the search, and never publicly confirmed Ta was the original choice. Locals had expressed dissatisfaction at the selecting process’s lack of transparency.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.