Mike Canfield, a 25-year veteran of the Mountain View Police Department (MVPD), California, has been appointed as the city’s 12th police chief, taking office on June 26, 2023, per a Mountain View city press release. Canfield, a homegrown leader, began his career with the department in 1999, where he would ultimately rise through the ranks, acquiring operational, supervisory, and command experience in patrol, investigations, and support services, as noted by The Mercury News before being named the city's next top cop.
According to the official announcement, Canfield, who currently serves as one of the department’s three police captains, will succeed former Chief Chris Hsiung, who left the department in December 2022 to become San Mateo County's undersheriff, according to the Mountain View Voice. The new appointee brings with him deep roots in the community, having graduated from Mountain View High School and worked within the department for more than 20 years, City Manager Kimbra McCarthy said in a city statement.
In a recent interview, Canfield expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the city's next chief, sharing that he never imagined himself in the role when he began his policing career at the young age of 22. Canfield's journey has been rich with milestones – starting as a police officer in 1999, he was later promoted to detective, serving in the Specialized Suppression Unit, according to his LinkedIn profile. His experience continued to accumulate with his work as a task force agent in narcotic investigations for the Santa Clara County Specialized Enforcement Team (SCCSET) and Detective Sergeant for the Crimes Against Persons Unit.
Canfield's ascent from a police officer to a leader began with his promotion to Lieutenant in 2014 and later to Captain in December 2020, in The Mercury News article. As a Lieutenant, he served as a watch commander, overseeing the department’s personnel and training functions, crisis negotiations, and SWAT team1. Upon being promoted to Captain, he joined the Public Safety Advisory Board as the department’s representative.
Created in the aftermath of protests following the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, the Public Safety Advisory Board in Mountain View plays a critical role in promoting discussions, action, and recommendations surrounding various policing issues and concerns, as reported by Mountain View Voice.
In his new role as police chief, Canfield has stressed the importance of hearing the voices of both his staff and the community, mentioning that a successful strategic plan requires buy-in from all parties.
