On August 1, 2025, the Salinas Police Department promoted Sergeant Kendall Gray to the rank of Commander, tasking him with leadership of patrol and operations.
Kendall was raised in southern California. After graduating from high school, he joined the San Diego Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program, which solidified his desire to pursue a career in law enforcement. He earned an associate in arts degree and was hired as a recruit by the Salinas Police Department. In 1999, he graduated from the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium Police Academy, officially beginning his career as a police officer with the Salinas Police Department.
Throughout his career, Kendall has served in a wide variety of roles, including patrol officer, crime scene investigator, Violence Suppression Unit officer, SWAT team member, narcotics and vice investigator, range master, officer safety instructor, and field training officer (FTO). He has been recognized as a court-certified expert in both gang crimes and narcotics sales. In 2008, he was named Salinas Police Officer of the Year, and he is a two-time recipient of the Award of Merit from the Monterey County Peace Officers Association.
Promoted to Sergeant in 2011, Kendall has held leadership roles in the Violence Suppression Unit, Special Operations/Community Services, Investigations, and as an FTO Sergeant.
Kendall holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute & University and a Master of Business Administration from Faulkner University. He is also a proud graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (Class #410).
Contact Information at https://police.salinas.gov/commander-gray
