TURLOCK -- From dozens of job candidates from around the region and nearby states, officials chose to hire someone from within the Police Department's ranks to be the city's next chief.
Rob Jackson, who joined the Turlock Police Department about four years ago, was hired as the city's 19th chief in its 104-year history.
"My intention when I came to Turlock was to finish out my career here," Jackson said. "Now, I have the opportunity to do that."
City officials announced the hiring Tuesday afternoon. Jackson will be sworn in at the City Council meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 14. Before the meeting, a reception will be held at 6 p.m. to welcome Jackson as the new chief, and the public is invited to attend.
'The brightest star'
Mayor John Lazar said Jackson's expertise in the inner workings of the department made him stand "head and shoulders" above a well-qualified group of job candidates. He said the city was not looking for a candidate with a flashy background.
"He was the brightest star," Lazar said. "We don't need sexy; we needed someone with a can-do attitude."
Jackson replaces Gary Hampton, who left last year to take the chief's job in Tracy. Hampton served in Turlock for five years after the city hired him away from the chief's job in Oakdale.
Dave Young, a retired assistant chief from Modesto, has been serving in Turlock as the interim chief since Hampton's departure.
In June 2010 while working for Turlock police, Jackson ran for Stanislaus County sheriff against his former colleague Sheriff Adam Christianson. The incumbent won his re-election bid to his second term in office, beating Jackson by several thousand votes.
Jackson pledged that he would not run for public office while working as police chief in Turlock. City officials said they are sure Jackson will fulfill his commitment.
"My focus now is definitely in Turlock," Jackson said.
He joined the department as one of two captains in 2007 after nearly 20 years with the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department. Jackson said he was excited to work for Hampton, who had led an effort to create a strategic plan for the city.
"I really plan to continue with the successes we've had," Jackson said. With more than two decades of law enforcement experience, he said, he fits in well in Turlock.
City officials agreed, picking Jackson out of 43 candidates for the job. The search firm the city contracted with did initial interviews and screening, narrowing the list to less than 20.
The city then narrowed its search for police chief to about a half-dozen semifinalists before choosing Jackson.
Experience was key
Turlock City Manager Roy Wasden, a former Modesto chief of police, said Jackson's experience is what made him stand out among the other candidates, and he expects the new chief to hit the ground running in two weeks.
"Chief Jackson had a clear understanding of the issues," Wasden said. "I don't think there's going to be any lag time."
The six semifinalists went through rigorous panel interviews. Community leaders and department heads interviewed them, narrowing the field to three. The finalists then were interviewed by council members.
Jackson said the panel interviews and the rest of the hiring process were "well done, and to be selected out of that is very satisfying."
Like many other police agencies throughout the region and the state, looming budget cuts are always a concern. Wasden said he's sure Jackson can make tough budget decisions if needed but also can look for efficiencies that prevent drastic cuts.
"I think Chief Jackson is in great position to take this department to the next level, even with challenges from the budget," Wasden said.
Jackson has signed a five-year contract with Turlock to serve as its chief. Wasden said Jackson's annual salary will be nearly $157,000, the entry level salary for a police chief in Turlock.
The city manager said Jackson's experience with local police agencies also set him apart from the other candidates. He said Jackson can lead the department with confidence, having a wealth of knowledge of Turlock and surrounding communities.
"In his four years with this department, he's clearly interacted with a broad spectrum of people in the community," Wasden said. "That's credit to Chief Hampton, who let his captains lead and prepared Rob Jackson to be police chief now."
Bee staff writer Rosalio Ahumada can be reached at rahumada@modbee.com or (209) 578-2394.
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