Chief Michael Moulton of the El Cajon Police Department is ready to hang up his badge after a 29-year career. Announcing his retirement set for December 17, Moulton leaves behind a legacy of committed service and leadership, especially through tumultuous times like the 2020 pandemic and civic unrest. "Leading this department through the pandemic and the unprecedented challenges of 2020 was one of my proudest moments," Moulton said in a document detailed by the El Cajon Police Department.
Since November 1995, Moulton has worked hard to strengthen the El Cajon Police Department during tough times for law enforcement nationwide. Under his leadership, the department has maintained community support and adapted and innovated, including the launch of the Automated License Plate Reader program, which resulted in 151 arrests in its first year. While many other departments struggle with recruitment and retention, Moulton has focused on modernizing the force and keeping staff levels stable.
Moulton's focus wasn't solely on the external. He's recognized for prioritizing the mental health of his officers, promoting a culture of openness and support which wasn't the norm when he first donned the uniform. "We’ve come a long way in recognizing the mental health challenges officers face. When I started, mental health wasn’t something we discussed openly," Moulton stated, according to the City of El Cajon press release. With 110 officers hired under his tenure, El Cajon stands as a strong model of a community-focused police force, now with 136 sworn officers and 63 civilian staff onboard.
