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SERVICE → PRIDE → DEDICATION
ABOUT SALINAS POLICE DEPARTMENT
Inside the Department
CAREERS AT SALINAS POLICE DEPARTMENT
LEARN ABOUT OUR MISSION AND VALUES
POLICE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
HOW TO OBTAIN OR FILE A REPORT
WHO DO I CONTACT at the department?
LEARN ABOUT THE CITY OF SALINAS
MEET OUR LEADERSHIP
Chief of Police Carlos Acosta
As Chief of Police, I am deeply honored to serve the Salinas community and lead the Salinas Police Department. With over 27 years of experience in law enforcement, I bring a commitment to fostering safety, trust, and collaboration within our diverse community. My career has been dedicated to innovative policing strategies, effective leadership, and community engagement—all with the goal of making my community a safer and welcoming city for everyone.
I believe in a proactive and community-centered approach to policing. By building strong partnerships with residents, businesses, and local organizations, we can enhance public safety while upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Together, we can address challenges, celebrate successes, and create meaningful solutions that benefit all.
In 2024 alone, the Salinas Police Department removed over 200 firearms from our streets and achieved significant reductions in robberies, assaults, burglaries, and homicides. These accomplishments reflect the dedication and bravery of the men and women of the department who work tirelessly to keep our city safe.
My vision is to lead a police department that serves as a model for effective and ethical law enforcement. By leveraging technology, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and prioritizing community voices, I aim to ensure that every resident of Salinas feels heard, respected, and protected. The City of Salinas deserves a department that reflects its values, embraces diversity, and continuously strives to improve.
My promise is to work tirelessly to enhance public safety, reduce violent crime, and improve the quality of life for all. Let’s work together to make a difference.
Carlos Acosta
Chief of Police, Salinas Police Department
As a department, we are committed to prioritize:
- Public Safety Strategy: Developing innovative approaches to reduce crime and improve the quality of life for all residents.
- Community Partnerships: Strengthening relationships by engaging, educating, and empowering our community to be part of the process and solutions.
- Workforce Development: Recruiting and retaining talented officers and staff while providing the resources and mentorship needed for exceptional service.
- Training and Excellence: Investing in training and development to ensure our team is equipped, compassionate, and prepared to meet the complexities of modern policing.
Assistant Chief Luis Bravo
Luis Bravo was born in Mexico, grew up in Monterey County, and has dedicated his career to serving his community.
Luis’s began his law enforcement career as a reserve officer with the Gonzales Police Department in 1994. He attended the South Bay Regional Training Consortium Police Academy (SB15) in 1997.
In 2000, he lateraled to the Salinas Police Department, where took on various roles such as the Violence Suppression Unit, as a Detective, as a member of the SWAT team, and as part of a DOJ Narcotics Task Force.
In 2016, Luis was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, where he worked in patrol and the Violence Suppression Task Force, eventually becoming the Internal Affairs Sergeant.
In 2022, he advanced to the role of Acting Commander, serving as a Watch Commander in Patrol Operations. He was promoted to Commander in 2023 and is currently the Administrative Commander, overseeing Personnel and Training, the Hostage Negotiation Team, the Records Division, the Drone Unit, and the Reserve Officer Program.
In December, 2024, Commander Bravo was named Acting Assistant Chief, and was promoted to Assistant Chief on July 7, 2025.
Luis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management from Union University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Faulkner University.
Luis Bravo
Assistant Chief, Salinas Police Department
Since taking the helm, Police Chief Carlos Acosta has made significant strides in fulfilling his key priorities, demonstrating a profound commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.
Chief Acosta’s dedication to these priorities reflects the vision that has long been held by our Commanding Officers and aims for a safer, more inclusive, and well-prepared police department.
His leadership in these efforts is already making a significant impact, setting a high standard for law enforcement leadership in our community.
The 21st Century Policing Framework includes:
- Building Trust and Legitimacy
- Policy and Oversight
- Technology and Social Media
- Community Policing and Crime Reduction
- Training and Education
- Officer Wellness and Safety
Deputy Chief Gabriel Gonzalez
Deputy Chief Gabriel Gonzalez was raised in Salinas, California, where he attended local schools and graduated from Everett Alvarez High School. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, demonstrating a strong commitment to service early in his life.
Following his military service, Gonzalez began his law enforcement career with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. In 2002, he attended the South Bay Regional Consortium Academy (SB56) and, upon graduation, served as a Deputy at Monterey County Jail.
In 2005, Gonzalez joined the Salinas Police Department. Over the years, he has held various roles, including Patrol Officer, member of the Violence Suppression Unit, Recruit Training Officer, and Detective. He has also contributed to specialized units such as SWAT, the Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT), Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), and has served as a Report Writing Instructor.
Gonzalez was promoted to Sergeant in 2020, where he served as a Patrol Supervisor and later as an Investigations Sergeant. His leadership journey continued in 2024 when he became Commander, taking on the role of Patrol Watch Commander. By 2026, he was appointed Investigations Commander. In August 2026, he was promoted to Deputy Chief and currently oversees Patrol Operations.
Deputy Chief Gabriel Gonzalez holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from San Jose State University and a Master of Business Administration from Faulkner University. He is a graduate of the Sherman Block Leadership Institute (Class #518), attended the National Preparedness Leadership Institute at Harvard University (Cohort XXIII), participated in Leadership Monterey County, and graduated from the Senior Management Institute in Policing (SMIP) in 2026.
Patrol Beats & Community Oversight
Salinas officers are assigned to specific geographic beats each shift, allowing them to focus on the unique needs of their Area of Responsibility. This approach increases visibility, reduces response times, and helps officers understand the daily rhythms of each neighborhood.
Command Leadership
Every beat is guided by a dedicated commander who manages staffing, resources, and coordination with specialty units. This hands‑on leadership strengthens accountability and supports quick, informed decision‑making.
Community Impact
By working consistent beats, officers build real relationships with the people we serve, businesses, and local organizations. These connections deepen trust, improve problem‑solving, and support long‑term neighborhood safety and resilience.
MEET OUR COMMANDERS
James Arensdorf
Commander
What I specialize in:
Admin/Personnel & Training
Danny Warner
Commander
What I specialize in:
Violence Suppression Task Force
Commander Gerardo Magaña
Commander
What I specialize in:
Patrol | Field Operations
Commander Stephen Craig
Commander
Call
What I specialize in:
Patrol | FTO Operations
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
