Mayor appoints new San Diego police chief

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Following a rigorous nationwide search for San Diego’s new police chief, Mayor Todd Gloria announced his pick for the next person to lead the department at a news conference Thursday.

Assistant Chief Scott Wahl has been appointed as SDPD’s newest Chief of Police, Gloria said Thursday. He was selected out of 56 finalists who went through an extensive process that began in November.

The selection process consisted of community forums in each of the nine city council districts, a nationwide search and vetting by 21 community leaders, according to a release from the City of San Diego.

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According to Gloria, Wahl is a native San Diegan who has worked for SDPD for 25 years. He is also the son of a San Diego police officer.

For three years of his career, Wahl also served as the department’s spokesperson, and he helped launch the department’s Neighborhood Policing division which handles issues such as homelessness, mental illness and drug addiction.

Wahl’s appointment comes after the city’s current police chief, David Nisleit, announced his retirement in June.

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The transition in new leadership comes amid staffing challenges and enforcement of the homeless encampment ban in the city.

“My vision is to build an inclusive organization that is reflective of the city that we serve,” Wahl said. “I love the city. I love this department. I am here because I want to make a difference in our community. I am here because I want to make a difference in the lives of the men and women who come to work each and every day to protect and serve all of you. I grew up the son of a San Diego police officer doing this job is all I’ve ever wanted to do.”

He will need to be officially confirmed by the majority of the city council.

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