In a move to maintain public safety and oversee departmental changes, Mayor Todd Gloria appointed Assistant Chief Scott Wahl as the new Chief of Police in San Diego, as announced at a press conference held at City Hall on Wednesday. According to an article from the City of San Diego's official website, Wahl, with a 25-year tenure at the San Diego Police Department, is set to fill the shoes of retiring Chief David Nisleit come June.
Wanting to keep San Diego as "one of the safest big cities in America," Mayor Gloria has touted Assistant Chief Wahl's alignment with his own commitment to safety and change for San Diego's communities. Wahl's current oversight of Special Projects and Legislative Affairs at SDPD has had him implementing legislative changes across the department, which Mayor Gloria believes will serve well in his new role. Mayor Todd Gloria expressed pride in his selection, stating in a statement, "I know he is up to the job, and that’s why I am proud to appoint him as our next Police Chief."
Wahl, during his prior stint as the spokesperson, has emphasized police transparency and given a voice to police initiatives within the community. His notable contributions include launching the Neighborhood Policing Division, which tackles significant urban challenges, including homelessness and mental health issues. Emphasizing his readiness for the position, Wahl told the City of San Diego, "I am honored by the trust our Mayor, Todd Gloria, has put in me to lead the San Diego Police Department."
The appointment of Wahl comes after an extensive recruitment effort that commenced in November 2023, comprising community forums, a national search, and extensive vetting by community leaders, culminating in a standout field of 56 candidates. The search process was thorough, featuring input from City Councilmembers and public forums across the nine City Council Districts. Reflecting on his priorities, Wahl mentioned in the San Diego article that building trust and legitimacy within the community figures prominently in his action plan. He aims to reinvest in leadership development and streamline the department's structure to boost efficiency and effectiveness. By these, he commits to building a department "reflective of our city and worthy of your trust and collaboration."
A native San Diegan, Wahl, follows in the footsteps of his father being a police officer in the city. The choice of Wahl was shared alongside prominent city officials, including Chief Operating Officer Eric Dargan and City Council President Pro Tem Joe LaCava. As protocol dictates, Wahl's appointment will be subjected to a Committee of the Whole meeting, where the city council will interview him and receive public comment before voting on his appointment. Mayor Gloria concluded the announcement by sending a memo to the City Council to formalize the introduction of Assistant Chief Wahl as the next Chief of Police.
