Bay Area/ San Jose

Raj Vaswani Named New Police Chief of Burlingame, Brings 30 Years of Experience from San Francisco PD

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Published on August 01, 2025
Raj Vaswani Named New Police Chief of Burlingame, Brings 30 Years of Experience from San Francisco PDSource: Google Street View

The City of Burlingame has officially chosen Raj Vaswani as its new Police Chief, as announced by City Manager Lisa K. Goldman. Vaswani, who brings over three years of law enforcement experience, formerly from the San Francisco Police Department, steps into the role previously held by Michael Matteucci, who retired last year after a lengthy tenure.

The selection process was described as thorough, involving interviews with other Police Chiefs and the full team of Burlingame Department Heads. City Manager Lisa Goldman expressed confidence in the decision, stating, as per the City of Burlingame, "With his wealth of experience in law enforcement, Raj was my top pick and was the unanimous choice of the City's Department Head team." Her comments highlight an absolute certainty that Vaswani's leadership skills and knowledge will be valuable assets to the Burlingame community.

A seasoned force veteran, Vaswani has occupied various positions within the San Francisco Police Department, ranging from Deputy Chief of the Special Operations Bureau to commanding officer at several SFPD stations. His expertise expands across multiple areas of police work and administration, showcasing a breadth of understanding crucial for overseeing Burlingame's safety and community relations.

Vaswani expressed his enthusiasm and honor in taking up the mantle, committing to actively engage with his new responsibilities. "I am honored to serve as Burlingame’s next Police Chief and look forward to working alongside the dedicated members of the Burlingame Police Department to keep our community safe," he said, per the City of Burlingame. This statement, signaling a forward-looking approach, also underscores his eagerness to foster stronger bonds within the city, from its residents to its local businesses and schools.