Novato's New Police Chief Sworn In Tuesday

NOVATO, CA – Novato's new chief of police is officially being sworn in Tuesday during a public ceremony at City Hall.

Adam McGill started in the role on Jan. 9.

“As a seasoned leader and with a hands-on approach to community policing, Chief McGill is a natural fit for Novato,” Novato City Manager Regan Candelario said in a statement. “With his emphasis on customer service and team-building, and his grasp of the needs of our city and department, I am confident in his ability to lead our police department and to serve our community.”

Prior to coming to Novato, McGill served as police chief for the town of Truckee.

With a 24-year career in law enforcement, he has worked in both large and small departments, promoted through the ranks, and has extensive experience in community relations, crisis communications, emergency preparedness, employee recruitment and retention, and investigations.

For two years, he served as a diplomat and special advisor for the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs in the U.S. Embassy in Bagdad, Iraq. He also served as police chief in the California communities of Newman and Truckee, where he held that position for the last five years.

Among his career achievements, McGill established a collaborative approach to community issues and a commitment to strong police-community relations. He was also recognized by the Truckee-Tahoe Chamber of Commerce for “Excellence in Government” for three consecutive years and served as an executive fellow with the National Police Foundation.

McGill earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration and a master’s degree in emergency services administration from California State University, Long Beach. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and is a member of the board of directors for the California Police Chief’s Association.

“Inclusiveness and collaboration are essential to our city’s public safety efforts,” McGill said. “I am honored and humbled to be working with the talented team at the NPD (Novato Police Department) and the city, our dedicated council, and our engaged community to continue to provide Novatans with the high level of service and responsiveness they deserve, and am committed to regular community conversations on issues important to our quality of life in Novato.”

Following a national search to replace Chief Jim Berg, who retired in July after 31 years in the department and four years as police chief, McGill was selected as the city’s 10th police chief from a pool of 15 candidates.

The public swearing-in ceremony and reception for McGill, whose annual salary is $179,256, will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 901 Sherman Ave. Light refreshments will be served.

– Image courtesy of Novato Police Department