Archived News Release from 2006

For Immediate Release

Redwood City Appoints New Police Chief

Redwood City , CA – December 12, 2006 - Concluding a thorough, exhaustive search and evaluation process, Redwood City has hired a new police chief. Louis Cobarruviaz, former San Jose police chief, will begin work on January 16, 2007 .

Mr. Cobarruviaz’ extensive professional experience and commitment to community policing, his focus on partnerships with other agencies and organizations, and his reputation for mentoring and training were all key in the hiring decision.

“Being well-grounded in the principles of community building, our new chief is going to be a great fit with Redwood City ,” said City Manager Ed Everett. “Our community will benefit from his years of experience, and I’m confident he will be able to take our very good and professional police department to the next level.”

Mr. Cobarruviaz’ reputation as police chief in San Jose from 1991 – 1998 is characterized by a clear focus on prevention and intervention, connecting with the community at many levels, and collaboration with a variety of governmental and non-profit agencies toward the shared goal of community safety.

Well-known as an expert in police training, Mr. Cobarruviaz spent six years in El Salvador after his tenure as San Jose Police Chief. In that country, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Justice, he introduced modern policing methods and management, helping it to become the model democratic law enforcement agency in Central America. Subsequently, Mr. Cobarruviaz was in Iraq for one year where he commanded the International Police Liaison Officers who provide training to Iraqi police.

In accepting the position with Redwood City, Mr. Cobarruviaz opted out of consideration for a significant position in Brazil as advisor to the Ambassador and liaison among all levels of police in that country. “I feel a great sense of excitement and anticipation in coming to Redwood City ,” noted Mr. Cobarruviaz. “This wonderful, diverse community has been well-served for many years by a professional and progressive police department. I look forward to continuing that tradition, and to working closely with the entire community to seek new, creative ways to work together to address community safety.”

The Redwood City police chief position became available when Carlos Bolanos, Redwood City’s chief since 1994, accepted the position of undersheriff for San Mateo County, a job he’ll start in early January.

Visit Redwood City’s award-winning website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, and local business. Take a look at the variety of City webcams at redwoodcity.org/webcam, and subscribe to Redwood City’s email newsletter by emailing e-news@redwoodcity.org.

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Contact:
Ed Everett
City Manager
(650) 780-7300