Watch CBS News

El Cerrito Hires New Police Chief

EL CERRITO (CBS SF) -- The city of El Cerrito has announced a new police chief, city officials said Thursday.

Chief Paul Keith has been appointed to the position after having served as interim chief since March.

Keith will be appointed to the position on Tuesday and then formally sworn in as Chief in November, according to city officials.

"I have great confidence in his ability as a law enforcement professional and his skill in building positive relationships with city departments, community stakeholders and neighboring agencies," City Manager Scott Hanin said of Keith. "He is respected by his fellow officers and the law enforcement community as well as the residents of El Cerrito. He is a tremendous asset to the El Cerrito Police Department and brings a deep passion for serving his community."

Keith has been with the department for 15 years. Within that time he has served as a police officer, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant and captain.

Keith, an El Cerrito resident, serves as a coach for the Writer Coach Connection through the West Contra Costa Unified School District and as a faculty member at the Napa Valley College Criminal Justice Training Center.

Keith has a bachelor's degree in History from the University of California at Berkeley and a Master of Public Administration from California State University East Bay, city officials said.

Keith replaced former Police Chief Sylvia Moir, after she was selected to be the new police chief in Tempe, Arizona earlier this year.

© Copyright 2016 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.