Merced's new police chief sworn in. These are his top priorities as he takes over
Merced's newest police chief didn't want the job when city officials came to him with the offer seven months ago.
"I said no," said Chief Chris Goodwin, who was officially sworn in Friday afternoon front of more than 150 officers, city and county officials and members of the public. "I was thinking I was going to leave in 18 months."
But while he was serving as the interim chief following the retirement of former Chief Norm Andrade, he talked with family, his wife and his uncle, who encouraged him to look closer at the opportunity. Several officers also confirmed privately encouraging Goodwin to take the job.
"They pointed out (I have) a lot of support in the community," Goodwin said, adding he also noticed a need for the Merced Police Department to fill its top position quickly so it can move on with staffing and other priorities.
Along with adding potentially five new sworn police officers and a new dispatcher, Goodwin said his main goals include working on updating its body camera video release policies.
The department will evaluate whether the current procedures regarding releasing body camera footage are in the best interest of the department, investigations with the Merced County District Attorney's Office, the city's attorneys and the public.
The department has been criticized by community advocates for refusing to release video footage of the arrest of William Colbert, a black man in Merced who claims police beat him during a confrontation in March.
The Merced County District Attorney's Office filed felony charges against Colbert on Friday in connection with the incident, according to a news release that states video would be provided during court proceedings.
Goodwin noted that the police department could also be required to adopt procedures in a state legislative bill, AB 748. If passed, this bill would require police departments to release body camera footage of "critical incidents" of public interest within 45 days of the incident, with the option for 15-day extensions to that deadline if the department can argue the public release of the videos could hinder an investigation enough to outweigh the public's interest in the videos.
The bill was passed by the State Assembly on May 11 and was passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee on June 26, according to legislative records.
The police department also is working on a "communications strategic plan," that includes internal issues such as being more transparent with citizens, so they know what the department's vision is, Goodwin said. The plan would also include better external communications and relationships with the media and public citizen groups.
The 48-year-old Santa Clara native has served the police department for 21 years, climbing the ranks as an officer, detective, sergeant on patrol, lieutenant and captain. He also participated in the department's Gang Violence Suppression Unit and SWAT unit along with being a defense tactics instructor and helping develop an active shooter program.
Goodwin received a warm welcome from Merced Mayor Mike Murphy on Friday and was sworn in with his command staff by his side.
During his speech, Goodwin recognized and thanked his family, mentors throughout his career, childhood friends and others. He held back tears as he thanked his late father and former partner Stephan Gene Gray, who was killed in the line of duty in 2004.
Goodwin's wife, Jackie, was on hand for Friday's ceremony. He is a father of three - his sons Joel and Jenson and his daughter Carolina. He enjoys working-out, is an avid duck hunter, and a college sports fan.
"It's an honor to serve as the police chief," Goodwin said.
This story was originally published July 6, 2018 at 5:01 PM.