Marking the end of a four-decade long career in law enforcement for the City of Santa Clara, Police Chief Michael J. Sellers has announced his retirement. After rising through the ranks, Sellers has served as Chief for the last seven years, after having been elected by the people of Santa Clara in 2012 and again in 2016.
“It is an absolute honor to serve among some of the most devoted, courageous and hardworking individuals dedicated to making Santa Clara a safe and welcoming community. It’s because of the men and women of the Santa Clara Police Department, coupled with the support of this community, that I have celebrated a long and rewarding career doing what I love. Collectively, we have made Santa Clara a better place,” said Chief Sellers. “Although a difficult decision, I’ve come to realize it is the right time for me to explore the next chapter of life and spend time with my family who has unwaveringly stood by my side and supported me throughout my long career.”
Chief Sellers began his career with the Santa Clara Police Department as a Cadet in 1978. He was hired full-time as a Police Officer in 1985 and continuously promoted to Assistant Chief in January 2012. With each promotion, he gained valuable leadership and budgetary experience to prepare him for his role as Police Chief. With Santa Clara having the last elected Police Chief in the state of California, he successfully ran for office and was first elected as Police Chief later that year.
Chief Sellers has worked a wide variety of unique assignments including undercover narcotics in the Specialized Crimes Action Team (SCAT), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and the Santa Clara County Sexual Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Task Force. He has also been a Field Training Officer, was a charter member of the Special Enforcement Team (SET), is a graduate of the Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.
Many celebrated accomplishments, include the implementation of innovative and next-generation technology and processes, most recently updating the Computer Aided Dispatch. Response times and the volume of priority one calls for service have decreased over the last year, as well as overall violent crime statistics, which reflect the proactive and hard work of the Department to keep Santa Clara a safe place to live, work and visit. The Department has continued to hold strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Office, local law enforcement agencies, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Santa Clara Unified School District. In addition, the Department has a high level of engagement with the community through programs such as the Citizen Police Academy, Coffee with a Cop, DARE, Talk and Tour and, most recently, a well-attended Open House, all of which have led to high confidence and trust ratings among the public.
Chief Sellers will continue his involvement in the Santa Clara Rotary, Mission City Community Fund, Santa Clara Optimist Club and Employer’s School Council in his retirement.
The City Council will take action on next steps for filling the position, whether it be by special appointment or election per the City Charter. Chief Sellers will begin his retirement effective September 1, 2019.
