Vacaville City Manager Aaron Busch has selected Vacaville Police Captain Ian Schmutzler to be the next Chief of Police. Chief Schmutzler was selected following a nationwide recruitment, and extensive and multi-dimensional interview process.
“I am proud to announce Chief Schmutzler as our next Chief of Police,” said City Manager Aaron Busch. “He brings 25-years of progressive policing experience, dedication to and a connection with Vacaville residents and businesses, and a positive leadership style. Chief Schmutzler possesses an in-depth familiarity of the Vacaville Police Department with a vision for new enhancements that will be invaluable as he leads the Department through the recently launched audit process, and into the anticipated next steps of community policing and engagement efforts.”
Chief Schmutzler has been with the Vacaville Police Department (VVPD) for nearly 22 years following a three year period with the Oakland Police Department where he began his career in 1997. After his transition, Chief Schmutzler quickly climbed through the ranks serving as a Field Training Officer and Detective, supervising the Defensive Tactics Team, Critical Incident Negotiations Team, Mobile Field Force Team, and Peer Support Team, and most recently responsible for commanding both the Field Operations and Field Support Bureaus.
Chief Schmutzler holds a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento. He is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police and the POST Command College, and holds a professional certificate in Law Enforcement Command from the University of San Diego. Born at Travis AFB and raised in Fairfield, Chief Schmutzler has been a long time Solano County resident, and member of the Vacaville community for more than 22 years.
“It is an honor to be selected as the next Chief of Police and it is a privilege to serve the Vacaville community in this new role,” exclaimed Police Chief Ian Schmutzler. “I acknowledge the depth of work ahead as the expectations of policing continues to evolve in our community and across the nation. I recognize the opportunity afforded to me to advance the Department, improve trust and instill confidence in the services we provide. I hope to come together to collaboratively tackle challenges and collectively celebrate successes!
“On behalf of the Vacaville City Council, I would like to formally congratulate Ian Schmutzler on his appointment as our next Chief of Police,” said Mayor Ron Rowlett. “I would also like to acknowledge the many efforts that City Manager Busch and his team made to ensure an extensive recruitment was completed. I am highly encouraged that this comprehensive process yielded one of Vacaville’s finest.”
“It has been a pleasure working with the Vacaville Police Department over the last six months,” said Interim Police Chief Joe Allio. “Having worked alongside Chief Schmutzler, I confidently affirm his selection. It has been a delight leading the Department and serving this vibrant community.”
Chief Schmutzler is anticipated to transition into his new role as Chief of Police on January 7, 2022 following a brief swearing-in and badge pinning ceremony. Unfortunately, due to the recent rise in COVID cases, in-person attendance will be limited. However, the City’s media team will stream the event live on YouTube (accessible here) and will later post the video on Channel 26.