South Bay Police Chief’s Retirement Ignites Rumor Mill: Reports

SAN JOSE, CA — San Jose Police Chief Eddie Garcia’s retirement has fueled speculation that he could be moving on to bigger and better things.

Garcia, who has headed the force since 2016, will step down at the end of the year according to a San Jose Mercury News report.

Garcia has worked in law enforcement for 28 years and has been credited with instituting police reforms in San Jose, and at 49, figures to be an attractive candidate for a future high-profile role.

Santa Clara County’s next sheriff?

Perhaps, state assembly member and former Campbell Mayor Evan Low wrote on Twitter.

“Eddie Garcia for Santa Clara County Sheriff after (Laurie) Smith retires?” he wrote.

The grapevine is very active tonight with San Jose Police Chief Eddie Garcia "retiring" after 28 years. Betcha he winds up in a new, high-profile position in the foreseeable future.https://t.co/DWMY4rIhRF
— Dan Noyes (@dannoyes) August 4, 2020

Garcia’s retirement has sent the Bay Area rumor mill abuzz with speculation about his next move, ABC7 investigative reporter Dan Noyes wrote on Twitter.

“The grapevine is very active tonight with San Jose Police Chief Eddie Garcia ‘retiring’ after 28 years,” Noyes tweeted.

“Betcha he winds up in a new, high-profile position in the foreseeable future.”

Eddie Garcia for Santa Clara County Sheriff after L. Smith retires? https://t.co/h281hk098f
— Evan Low (@Evan_Low) August 4, 2020

Garcia’s retirement comes amid a national reckoning over racial justice and police brutality that came into focus in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death in police custody on Memorial Day.

Garcia insists his decision to retire had been in the works for many months and wasn’t related to current events, according to The San Jose Mercury News reports.

“I’m at peace with it. I know people will try to connect dots because of what’s going on, and all the change that is happening, but this decision was made long ago,” Garcia told The Mercury News.

“I was a Puerto Rican kid that came to San Jose, and I didn’t know how to speak English. I ended up being the chief of police for the 10th largest city in the country. I’m humbled … and forever thankful for the opportunity this city and department gave me.”