New Female Police Chief for Manhattan Beach

Eve Irvine, 47, will begin work as Manhattan Beach's new police chief on June 1, according to City Manager David Carmany. When she does, she will be the first woman to hold the position.

Irvine, whose career has been spent with the City of Inglewood's police department where she became the first woman to rise through the ranks to become a captain, was introduced to MB police department employees at an all-hands meeting this morning.

"We're pretty excited and very happy to have her on board," Carmany said after the meeting. 

Current Police Chief Rod Uyeda, who will retire on May 23, told Manhattan Beach Patch, "I leave here knowing that the department is in very good hands." He said that Irvine's experience in the fast-paced Inglewood police department will bode well for the community. 

"She knows all aspects of law enforcement and understands about setting the bar high" for a department, said Uyeda, who has known Irvine professionally for "at least 15 years." Uyeda, who believes that employees "generally work to the level of expectations," said that when he became chief in 2006, the department went through "culture shock." He came to Manhattan Beach from the fast-paced Pasadena police department.

Irvine, who is a police captain in Inglewood, has been promoted several times within the department where she began her career in 1982 as a police cadet. She has served as a police officer, D.A.R.E. officer, detective, and sergeant. 

In 1995, Irvine was transferred to the administrative bureau, becoming supervisor of police training and personnel, and in 1997 she was appointed to the position of acting lieutenant and transferred to the patrol bureau as a watch commander. 

In 1999, a promotion landed her the rank of lieutenant and she was transferred to the Office of the Chief of Police. There she served as adjutant to the chief, commanded the community affairs section and internal affairs, and served as press information officer. In 2003, she was promoted to the rank of police captain. 

"Nothing will come down the pike that will surprise her [given her experience]," Uyeda said.

Uyeda, who will be briefing Irvine on past and present issues, said the city is gearing up for policing efforts at several outdoor events this summer, including the Charlie Saikley Six-Man Beach Volleyball Tournament.

Mayor Richard Montgomery said he spoke with Irvine today about resident concerns, including making sure the police force is highly visible all the time, not just at special events.

"She is experienced, articulate and definitely shares our concerns about protecting the residents and property," Montgomery said.

Said Carmany in a press release, “She is a consummate professional who stands for the values of fair and impartial law enforcement. She is highly energetic, as well as compassionate and is ready to hit the ground running.”

Irvine has a bachelor of science degree in business and management from the University of Redlands and a master of business administration from the University of La Verne.

She is married to a Torrance police department lieutenant. The couple have three grown children. Irvine was born and raised in New York.