San Luis Obispo Announces New Police Chief

San Luis Obispo, CA -- San Luis Obispo has a new police chief. On Monday, the city named Stephen Gesell to replace nine-year chief Deborah Linden, who retired in December.  A 22-year police officer, Gesell has been acting chief in Atascadero for most of 2011, and he worked for 20 years at the Scottsdale Police Department, where he achieved the post of division commander.

For overseeing a staff of more than 80 and a budget of $15.3 million, his starting salary will be $157,508. He is expected to take his new post Jan. 7. There will be a press conference on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at 12:30 p.m. at the San Luis Obispo Police Department, 1042 Walnut Street to introduce Gesell.