Merced Police Chief is retiring, this is when

After 23 years with the Merced Police Department, on Monday Merced Police Chief Christopher Goodwin announced his retirement.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a long time now,” Goodwin said. “I want to spend more time with my family and enjoy the next phase of my life.”

Goodwin, 50, will swear in five new officers and a captain Thursday as his last official act as chief. His last day with the City will be Feb. 7.

An interim replacement has not been named.

“Chris was the right person at the right time for the Department,” said City Manager Steve Carrigan. “He helped transition it to a new generation of policing. I am grateful for what he has done for the City.”

Goodwin was appointed acting police chief two years ago, and became the City’s top law enforcement officer 18 months ago. Since then, Goodwin has had a busy agenda.

One of Goodwin’s priorities focused on the Department’s recruitment and retention efforts, sending officers to Valley police academies in order to meet prospective employees.

Goodwin also revamped the Department’s body camera/video policy, expanded community outreach via social media and brought back more specialized units such as the Traffic Division.

Goodwin worked his way up through the ranks of the Merced Police Department, starting as a police officer. He has been a beat cop, ran SWAT, worked detectives, and led command staff.

“I want to thank all of the men and women in the Department who make the police force such a great place to work,” Goodwin said.  “You can’t do this job alone, and I always had plenty of support in the Department and in the community.”

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