South Lake Tahoe, CA…After a lengthy process, the City has selected David Stevenson to be the newest Police Chief for South Lake Tahoe. Stevenson has been in the City since he was 5-years-old and even attended South Tahoe High School. Stevenson’s dad was also a peace officer in South Lake Tahoe. Stevenson started with SLTPD as a Patrol Officer and worked his way up to Lieutenant before being named Chief of the department.

“This department has truly been my life’s work,” said Stevenson, “The officers who work in our department are the best of the best and I am proud to continue on the legacy of trust, accountability, and public safety we’ve had for so many years.” He has been with the department for more than 25 years.

“This is a time for stability inside of a department that has been doing so much good for so long,” said City Manager Joe Irvin, “David doesn’t just understand this department, he knows South Lake Tahoe, and I am confident he will bring fresh ideas and continue to lead the department in the right direction.” In fact, Stevenson already has ideas about the direction he wants to take the department.

“We have a responsibility to collaborate with regional partners and local community-based organizations to help the homeless, and people facing addiction and mental illness in our community,” said Stevenson, “We also have a responsibility to make sure our officers are accountable to providing high quality, unbiased service to our diverse population.”

Selecting the next Police Chief was an extensive process. It included a national search, community and technical panels, and a community town hall where the public submitted questions, they wanted answers to.
“It was extremely important we heard our communities voice during the process,” said Irvin, “The Police Chief isn’t just the Chief for some, the Chief is the Chief for every resident and visitor in South Lake Tahoe.”

He will be sworn in as Police Chief next Monday, August 3rd at 9:00 AM.