CSU East Bay Names New Police Chief

HAYWARD, CA —A former Alameda County sheriff's captain is taking over as the new police chief at California State University East Bay in Hayward, according to university officials.

Mark Flores was appointed as the new police chief following a nationwide search. He spent 26 years with the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, according to the university.

Flores is a graduate of Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa, and is the first in his family to earn a college degree.

According to a news release, he said he grew up poor on the East Side of San Jose and has come to understand that everybody wants a good life.

"We all want to feel safe and protected in our parks, in our homes and neighborhoods," Flores said.

Debbie Chaw, Cal State East Bay Vice President of Administration and Finance and CFO, said, "Chief Flores's administrative, operational and fiscal skills and expertise are a welcome addition to our police department. His collaborative style and friendly personality are a good fit for our
campus as he continues focusing on community policing at Cal State East Bay."

Flores said that community policing "enables us to build relationships by establishing rapport. It is the goal of our department to gain the trust of students, faculty and staff so they feel assured we are going to protect them."

Flores is the father of two teens and tries to live a balanced life, spending time outside of work as a DJ.

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— Bay City News; Image via CSU East Bay