City of San Leandro appoints acting police chief

Luis Torres, City of San Leandro Police Captain, has been appointed to serve as the Acting Police Chief, effective March 26th. Mr. Torres was selected by Interim City Manager Fran Robustelli following the retirement announcement of current Police Chief Jeff Tudor, who has served the San Leandro Police Department for the past 31 years. 

Mr. Torres began his career with the Police Department in 1998, and worked a variety of assignments including patrol, crime scene technician, school resource officer, sexual assault & juvenile crime, backgrounds investigator, personnel and training. In the rank of captain, Mr. Torres served as the commander overseeing the K–9 Program, Hostage Negotiations Team, Honor Guard, Professional Standards & Training and Patrol Division. 

“Captain Torres’ two decades of community–building and law enforcement experience in our city were key factors in my choice to appoint him to this acting position,” said Interim City Manager Fran Robustelli. “Captain Torres’ vision for the department is inspiring. He is fully aware that the Police Department must grow and adapt to the current societal environment by continuing to build community trust, work with scarce resources, and implement new approaches to complex situations.”

In response to his appointment, Mr. Torres added, “I am excited and honored for the opportunity to continue moving this department forward – one where we focus on community-based and data driven policing best practices. I look forward to working with the women and men of the San Leandro Police Department in the ongoing work of bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community. I am also actively listening. It is my mission to ensure that our personnel from every corner of the agency serve those who live, work, and visit San Leandro with dignity, respect, and integrity.” 

Mr. Torres received a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Chapman University and a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. He has also received leadership training from the POST Supervisory Leadership Institute, the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police, and the California Police Chief’s Executive Leadership Institute from the Drucker School at Claremont Graduate University.

The process for determining the permanent Police Chief is now underway and Mr. Torres’ service in this acting assignment is expected to continue until that process is concluded. Additional information will be forthcoming.