Central Marin Police Selects New Chief

LARKSPUR, CA – The Central Marin Police Authority recently announced that it has selected a new police chief.

Interim Police Chief Michael Norton is expected to be appointed to the permanent position at the Police Council's Feb. 2 meeting, according to Central Marin Police Authority officials. Norton has served as interim chief since August, when former Chief Todd Cusimano left the position to become the town manager of Corte Madera.

"The Police Council has been pleased with Michael Norton’s performance over the past several months and has expressed confidence in his ability to successfully manage the Central Marin Police Authority," said Diane Furst, chair of the Central Marin Police Authority Police Council. "I very much look forward to working with him in his new role."

Norton has worked in law enforcement for more than 15 years.

He joined the Twin Cities Police Department as a patrol officer in 2001, rising through the ranks and serving in a variety of roles. Prior to being appointed to the interim chief position of the Central Marin Police Authority – which serves the communities of Corte Madera, Larkspur, San Anselmo and portions of Greenbrae – Norton served as a police captain.

"The past six months have been busy for the Police Authority," said Dan Schwarz, executive manager of the Central Marin Police Authority Management Committee. "Mike Norton’s calm demeanor, thoughtful approach and commitment to community-based policing have been evident in his performance as interim chief. I am confident he is the right person to lead the next generation of officers in our community."

A San Anselmo native, Norton, 42, graduated from Sir Francis Drake High School before earning a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California at San Diego. He also holds a juris doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law and was admitted to the California State Bar in 1999. In addition, he graduated from the Senior Management Institute for Police in 2016.

Photo courtesy of Central Marin Police Authority