Santa Fe Springs names Paul Espinosa as first police chief; city aims to launch own police department in 2028
May 13, 2026 | Santa Fe Springs City, Los Angeles County, California
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The City of Santa Fe Springs on Wednesday introduced Paul Espinosa as the city's first chief of police and said it intends to launch a municipal police department on March 1, 2028.
Assistant City Manager Nicholas Raso introduced Espinosa and reviewed his more than three decades in law enforcement, including service with the Los Angeles Police Department beginning in 1994 and later as chief of police for the city of Montebello. "Chief Espinosa brings more than 3 decades of distinguished law enforcement experience," Raso said, adding the appointment is a historic step for the city as it transitions from long-term service provided by Whittier Police Department.
Espinosa thanked the council and staff for the opportunity and said he planned to prioritize community engagement while building the new department. "I've been dedicated to public safety my entire life, and I plan to bring the same here to the city of Santa Fe Springs," he said.
Raso emphasized the city's gratitude to the Whittier Police Department for more than 30 years of service and said city staff will work with Whittier PD during the transition. "Their officers and professional staff have served our city with dedication, professionalism, and integrity," Raso said.
City officials described next steps that will include community outreach and surveys to gather resident input on policing priorities. Espinosa told the council he will be engaging the community and meeting with city stakeholders in the coming weeks and months as planning continues.
No formal council vote to hire was recorded on the public record during the open meeting; the assistant city manager presented the appointment during a formal presentation and introduced the chief to the community. The city attorney earlier reported the council met in closed session on a listed item and that no final reportable action was taken during that closed session.
The council and staff scheduled community events and outreach in the months ahead as they prepare for the department's planned start date in 2028.
Assistant City Manager Nicholas Raso introduced Espinosa and reviewed his more than three decades in law enforcement, including service with the Los Angeles Police Department beginning in 1994 and later as chief of police for the city of Montebello. "Chief Espinosa brings more than 3 decades of distinguished law enforcement experience," Raso said, adding the appointment is a historic step for the city as it transitions from long-term service provided by Whittier Police Department.
Espinosa thanked the council and staff for the opportunity and said he planned to prioritize community engagement while building the new department. "I've been dedicated to public safety my entire life, and I plan to bring the same here to the city of Santa Fe Springs," he said.
Raso emphasized the city's gratitude to the Whittier Police Department for more than 30 years of service and said city staff will work with Whittier PD during the transition. "Their officers and professional staff have served our city with dedication, professionalism, and integrity," Raso said.
City officials described next steps that will include community outreach and surveys to gather resident input on policing priorities. Espinosa told the council he will be engaging the community and meeting with city stakeholders in the coming weeks and months as planning continues.
No formal council vote to hire was recorded on the public record during the open meeting; the assistant city manager presented the appointment during a formal presentation and introduced the chief to the community. The city attorney earlier reported the council met in closed session on a listed item and that no final reportable action was taken during that closed session.
The council and staff scheduled community events and outreach in the months ahead as they prepare for the department's planned start date in 2028.
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