Acting San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph appointed as permanent chief
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- With thunderous applause, Paul Joseph was officially confirmed the new chief of the San Jose Police Department Tuesday.
Joseph, who has been a part of SJPD for decades, had been serving as the interim head of the department since March after former chief Anthony Mata retired.
"I got a very good understanding of what the chief's responsibilities are, what's required of the chief. And so, I'm ready to go," Joseph said.
Joseph will take over a department that has been hit by several scandals in recent years. Something, he says, they've learned from and that don't define the organization.
"We are certainly not perfect. We're made our mistakes and sadly we'll probably make a few more. But, overall, this is a healthy organization with great men and women working here," Joseph said.
Joseph's confirmation was welcomed by many officials in both the city of San Jose as well as Santa Clara County, who believe he's the right man for the job.
"Our prosecutors work collaboratively with the San Jose Police Department, and certainly I've always worked collaboratively with the police chief in San Jose," said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen.
That sense of excitement also present with many in the community.
Maria Ortega is part of the Cadillac Winchester Neighborhood Association. She believes Joseph understands the most pressing needs of the community.
"The most is safety. Safety in the streets, because there's a lot of gangs in my neighborhood. I need a best life for young kids, families," Ortega said.
Among other things Joseph will have to rebuild a department short on staffing, as well as one that has seen morale dip in recent times.
Despite those challenges, Joseph pledges to serve the people of San Jose to the best of his ability."
"We will meet their expectations, and we will adapt. We will constantly work and grow and be better in every way," he said.
Joseph will formally begin acting as full-time chief next week.
