July 10 , 2018

The lobby of the Merced Civic Center was packed with family, friends, colleagues, and community leaders watching Chris Goodwin being sworn-in as Chief of Police by Mayor Mike Murphy. Chief Goodwin now serves as the leader of the City of Merced Police Department composed of 95 sworn officers and 33 non-sworn personnel.

“Serving the streets of Merced for over 22 years, Chief Goodwin brings his experience and education to the Merced Police Department,” says Mayor Mike Murphy. “He is also well anchored in the community, has an established network, and possesses institutional knowledge from the prior positions he held.”

Chief Goodwin has enthusiasm for recruiting well-qualified officers, setting a goal of integrating technology with community based policing and desire to push the department to evolve with law enforcement trends, truly sets him apart. According to City Manager Steve Carrigan, “Chief Chris Goodwin is passionate about his home and protecting those within his community.”

“I am honored to serve the City of Merced as its Police Chief. Our community expects a high Quality of Life. Council responds by assembling one of the finest Police Departments in the San Joaquin Valley,” says Chief Goodwin.

A Santa Clara native, Chief Goodwin came to the Merced Police department in 1996. He worked his way up through the ranks starting in patrol. He continued to serve as a detective and later a sergeant - both supervising patrol and the Gang Violence Suppression Unit. He was then promoted to Lieutenant and later Captain, specializing in SWAT, defense tactics and the department’s active shooter program for over 15 of his 22 years. This extensive experience coupled with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in criminal justice have prepared him to take the next step in his career - as the Chief of the Merced Police Department.

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