May 22, 2024

San Diego City Councilmembers voted unanimously to confirm Scott Wahl as the City’s new Police Chief on May 13. Chamber VP of International and Public Affairs, Kenia Zamarripa shared a statement in support of Wahl at the appointment hearing, during which Wahl addressed the Council to share his top priorities including building trust among SDPD staff and community members, preparing the department for a wave of officer retirements, and revamping the department’s organizational structure.

Wahl has served the San Diego Police Department for 26 years, most recently serving as Assistant Chief. In his current role, he oversees Special Projects and Legislative Affairs and is responsible for implementing federal, state, and local legislative changes throughout the organization. He served as the department’s spokesperson for three years, boosting transparency and giving a voice to police initiatives in the community. As captain of Northern Division, which includes some of the city’s largest coastal communities, he worked collaboratively with community groups to reduce gun violence and residential burglaries. Wahl also helped launch the department’s Neighborhood Policing Division, which handles some of the city’s most challenging issues such as homelessness, mental illness, and drug addiction.

Wahl will take office as the next San Diego Police Chief on June 7.