News Release
November 19, 2010
Concord selects new Police Chief
Captain Guy A. Swanger has been selected as Concord's new Police Chief, replacing David Livingston, who is leaving Concord in January as the newly-elected Contra Costa County Sheriff. Capt. Swanger is expected to start his new job on January 3, 2011.
Capt. Swanger currently leads the Investigations Division for the City of San Diego. In that position, he oversees 165 sworn investigators and 25 civilian support staff. He has served as Acting Assistant Chief responsible for 200 plus personnel in the Traffic Division and 100 plus personnel in Operational Support. From 2008-2009, he managed the San Diego Family Justice Center under the Office of the Mayor. He has vast experience in the development, implementation and training associated with Community Oriented Policing and Problem Oriented Policing programs, conducting over 100 training session across North America on topics ranging from problem solving to supervision to management to interagency strategies.
Capt. Swanger also co-authored a book entitled "Managing Innovation in Policing: The Untapped Potential of the Middle Manager," which has been used by universities and police command colleges.
Commenting on the appointment, City Manager Dan Keen noted that Capt. Swanger's background makes him a good fit for the organization.
"Capt. Swanger's wide range of command experience in San Diego, and his proven ability to approach problems in innovative ways will make him a valuable asset to our community. We are fortunate to have found someone with such extensive knowledge of Community Oriented Policing."
The selection of Capt. Swanger followed an exhaustive nationwide recruitment effort which produced more than 60 candidates, as well as an interview process involving members of the Concord business community, residents, bargaining units and City staff.
Capt. Swanger holds a B.A. in History from the University of San Diego and a M.P.A. from San Diego State. He has served with the San Diego Police Force since 1991, where he achieved the rank of Captain in 2005 and graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2008.