Former Turlock police chief takes top job in Seaside

Turlock’s former police chief has taken the top law enforcement job in Seaside.

Rob Jackson was sworn in Thursday as the Monterey County city’s police chief, about three months after he resigned as Turlock’s chief in mid-August after more than four years on the job.

Jackson was among 34 applicants for the Seaside job, according to a news release, and has 28 years of law enforcement experience.

“Chief Jackson’s experience, skill and leadership qualities made him the clear choice of the interview panel, and I look forward to his contributions here,” Seaside City Manager Craig Malin said in the release issued two days before Jackson was sworn in.

Jackson said in the news release: “I am very excited to have been selected to lead the Seaside Police Department and become a member of such a wonderful community. My wife, Melinda, and I are looking forward to our transition into the area.”

Seaside Mayor Ralph Rubio confirmed Sunday that Jackson was sworn in as chief. Jackson, who could not be reached for comment, will earn $169,665 annually. Seaside has about 34,000 residents, which is about half the size of Turlock.

Turlock City Manager Gary Hampton announced Aug. 11 that Jackson would be voluntarily leaving that day. That was just two days after Jackson had spoken at a City Council meeting about crime trends and how police would combat them.

“Chief Jackson has chosen to take a break to spend time with family and pursue other career opportunities,” said a Turlock news release announcing his departure. During four and a half years as chief, Jackson led the department through a critical time of downsizing, according to Hampton.

This story was originally published November 6, 2016 at 7:43 PM with the headline "Former Turlock police chief takes top job in Seaside."