Santa Fe Springs names first police chief for new department

Santa Fe Springs has selected veteran law enforcement leader Paul Espinosa to serve as the first police chief of the city’s newly created police department, marking a major milestone as the city transitions away from its longtime policing contract with the City of Whittier.

The appointment was announced Wednesday by city officials, who described the move as a historic step in the formation of the Santa Fe Springs Police Department, which is expected to become fully operational by March 2028.

Espinosa brings more than three decades of law enforcement experience to the role, including leadership positions with the Los Angeles Police Department and a stint as police chief in Montebello.

“Appointing our first police chief is a historic moment for Santa Fe Springs,” Mayor Joe Angel Zamora said in a statement. “Chief Espinosa’s extensive experience, leadership, and commitment to community-focused policing make him the ideal person to lead our new Police Department.”

The city announced last month that it would establish its own municipal police department after contracting with the Whittier Police Department since 1995. City leaders said the decision was intended to create a more responsive and community-centered public safety model tailored specifically to Santa Fe Springs.

Santa Fe Springs officials have said the transition to a standalone department will unfold over roughly 22 months and include recruiting officers and staff, purchasing equipment and technology, developing policies and procedures, and conducting community outreach.

According to the city, Santa Fe Springs paid approximately $3.7 million annually when it first entered into its contract with Whittier in 1995. That contract has since grown to more than $18 million annually.

Espinosa began his law enforcement career with the LAPD in 1994 and worked assignments across all four geographic bureaus. During his tenure, he served in patrol, vice, narcotics and investigative units while rising through the ranks from officer to captain.

His leadership assignments included serving as watch commander, officer in charge of the Gang Impact Team, commanding officer of the Detective Division, and head of several LAPD divisions and community police stations, including Foothill, West Valley and Southwest.

Espinosa later became chief of police in Montebello, where city officials said he emphasized constitutional policing, officer development, accountability and partnerships with the community.

As Santa Fe Springs’ inaugural chief, Espinosa will oversee the development and implementation of the department while helping establish its operational structure and culture.

“I am honored to serve the Santa Fe Springs community in this role,” Espinosa said in a statement. “I look forward to working alongside City leadership, residents, businesses, and community partners to build a department grounded in professionalism, trust, and service.”

City officials said the new department will eventually include patrol services, investigations, traffic enforcement and community engagement efforts. The city also plans to continue integrating its public safety and code compliance operations under the broader Department of Police and Community Services.

Santa Fe Springs has a residential population of roughly 19,000, though officials say the city’s daytime population swells significantly because of its large industrial and commercial base. The city is home to thousands of businesses and major manufacturing and logistics operations.

Officials said maintaining uninterrupted public safety services during the transition remains a top priority and emphasized that the city intends to maintain a collaborative relationship with Whittier throughout the process.