The City of Novato is pleased to announce the selection of Beth Johnson as Novato’s next Chief of Police. Johnson is currently a Police Captain with the City of Martinez after being Martinez’s acting police chief for four months. Chief Johnson will be Novato’s 12th Chief of Police and first female police chief.
Johnson was selected among a pool of highly qualified candidates following a national search to replace former Chief Matthew McCaffrey, who retired in December.
A Bay Area native with a 28-year career in law enforcement, starting out as a community service officer then as a dispatcher before accepting a position as a police officer, Johnson has worked her way through the ranks specializing in investigations, field training, community policing and youth outreach programs.
“As a proven leader, Chief Johnson brings a breadth of experience and values to Novato. I am confident that, with her extensive knowledge and collaborative approach, she will continue to enhance and evolve the high level of public safety services, transparency and trust our community deserves,” said City Manager Adam McGill. “I’d also like to thank our community members who participated in our outreach survey, interview panels, and shared their input as part of the decision-making process that led to the selection of Chief Johnson — together we are shaping our city’s future.”
Johnson proudly serves on the California Police Chiefs Association Board of Directors, the Women Leaders in Law Enforcement (WLLE) Committee, the California Police Chiefs Association (CPCA) Training Committee, the CPCA Wellness Committee as well as being the founder and co-chair of the CPCA Mentoring Committee. She has her Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Public Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management, and is a graduate of the Executive Leadership Institute at Drucker’s School of Management – Claremont Graduate University and the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute.
“I feel fortunate and humbled to have been selected to lead the highly-skilled professionals of the Novato Police Department,” said Chief Johnson. “I look forward to building relationships and fostering a culture of inclusion not only within the Police Department but with the Novato community. I am proud to serve as Novato’s first female Chief of Police.”
Johnson is married to Kenny Hart, a Lieutenant with the Benicia Police Department. They share four kids and love to spend time traveling, cooking, and gardening.
She begins work on Tuesday, July 5 at an annual salary of $226,596.
A Swearing-In Ceremony where our community will have the opportunity to meet our new Chief is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, July 19 with details to follow.
