Andrew White Expected To Be Named Next Martinez Police Chief

MARTINEZ, CA — The Martinez City Council is expected to approve a contract at its Nov. 16 meeting naming Andrew White as the next Martinez chief of police, the city announced in a news release.

White, who currently serves as chief of police in Clearlake, will begin serving in his role new role Jan. 3.

White, 38, has served as the Clearlake police chief since 2018. His experience with the city of Clearlake also includes a stint as acting finance director for a year. He serves on the State of California 911 Advisory Board as an appointee of Gov. Gavin Newsom and represents the California Peace Officers Association on the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications Advisory Committee.

White began his law enforcement career as a police cadet, then dispatcher at the Napa Police Department. He was an instructor in the basic police and dispatch academies at Napa Valley College for 15 years.

Prior to joining the city of Clearlake, White worked at the Suisun City Police Department for 16 years in numerous capacities and assignments as he moved up the ranks to police commander.

As chief of police in Clearlake, White is credited with spearheading a robust effort to address crime and blight that incorporated community engagement, collaboration and creative problem solving that has seen crime drop to historic lows and resulted in a significant reduction in blight, according to the news release. He is credited with advancing a department culture of excellence, accountability and wellness that positively impacted retention and recruitment and increased community satisfaction.

"Andrew White is absolutely the best choice to lead our police department and strengthen its community partnerships," Martinez Mayor Rob Schroder said. "His breadth of public safety experience at the local and state levels, combined with his knowledge of municipal finance and other essential management skills, will provide our community with a proven leader."

White replaces former Police Chief Manjit Sappal, who announced his retirement earlier this year.

The city conducted a comprehensive nationwide search and utilized extensive community engagement prior to making White’s selection, city officials said.

"I look forward to becoming part of the Martinez community in my new role, and I plan to begin my service by meeting with our residents and business operators and learning about their public safety concerns and expectations," White said. "I will also focus on addressing the staffing challenges facing the police department so we have the personnel to provide the scope of service the community deserves."

White's annual salary as police chief will be $238,771.

He holds a bachelor's degree in organizational management and information technology, and is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute.

"The Martinez Police Department is exemplary, and it is an honor to lead this outstanding team that works every day to keep the community safe and secure," White said.