After 30 years in law enforcement and nearly a decade as the city’s top officer, Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones is retiring, effective at the end of the year, officials announced Tuesday.
Jones joined the Stockton Police Department in 1993 as a police officer and climbed through the ranks, culminating in his appointment as chief in March, 2012.
Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Sacramento State and masters in public administration from National University.
"I am extremely thankful to have led such a great organization and working for our community," Jones said through a release. "The men and women of the Stockton Police Department continue to give selfless dedication every day for the safety of our citizens and the community partnerships we have formed and the trust-building work we have done has helped move our City forward."
He did not give a reason for why he is retiring now.
Highlights from his time at the helm include increasing staff from 320 people in 2012 to 434 today, and forming numerous initiatives and foundations to strengthen the community-police relationship.
"We are grateful to Chief for his years of service to the City of Stockton and the Stockton Police Department," City Manager Harry Black said. "The fact that he is leaving us with a strong leadership team is a testament to his character and abilities. We look forward to working with him these next few months and wish him well in the future."
Assistant Police Chief James Chraska will serve as interim chief while the city conducts a "nation-wide" search for Black’s replacement.
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