Gilroy Police Department Ushers In New Era On Social Media

GILROY, CA — The City of Gilroy ushered in a new era Thursday, and the Police Department commemorated the event on social media.

Former Police Chief Scot Smithee, who retired in June, logged off for the last time and Chief Pedro Espinoza logged on for the first time in a video posted on the Department’s Facebook page.

The City Council announced Chief Pedro Espinoza’s appointment last month.

The former Gilroy police captain is a veteran of law enforcement with over 25 years of experience; 17 of those years with the Gilroy Police Department.

“Chief Espinoza's leadership has been felt throughout the City through his dedication to and open communication with our community,” the city said in a news release.

Before coming to the Gilroy Police Department, Chief Espinoza worked for the Vacaville and UC Davis Police Departments. He has held several specialized positions and assignments including being the department's Public Information Officer and Internal Affairs Investigator.

Espinoza has also taught arrest and control tactics at the police academy. He is an alumnus of Chico State, Santa Clara County Leadership Academy; and recently, the FBI National Academy at Quantico, VA.

Smithee’s retirement concludes a law enforcement career of 34 years and nine months.

Smithee came out of retirement in 2017 to serve as police chief, The Gilroy Dispatch reports.