Chief Weiss is a 26 year veteran of the Scotts Valley Police Department, having served the last ten years as Chief of Police. He was born and raised in Los Gatos, CA. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice administration from Sonoma State University, where he graduated with distinction in 1987. He earned his Master of Science in criminal justice administration from San Jose State University in 1989.

 

Chief Weiss was hired by Scotts Valley Police Department as a patrol officer in 1990. He went through the ranks, serving as a juvenile detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant and appointed Chief of Police on August 16, 2006.

 

Chief Weiss was the department’s first Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Officer. He was awarded the Medal of Merit in 1994 for his work in the DARE Program and for implementing the department’s first Police Activities League.

 

Chief Weiss was trained and served as the department’s first composite sketch artist. He was also one of the department’s first trained peer counselors. He received numerous Employee of the Month Awards, Commendations and positive letters from the community. A professional cartoonist and former staff editorial cartoonist for several newspapers, Chief Weiss brought laughs and levity to department staff with his humorous cartoons.

 

Chief Weiss served as the chairperson of the Santa Cruz County Law Chief’s Association. He was past chairperson and board member of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. He was one of the founding members of the Santa Cruz County Fallen Officer Foundation. He is also an honorary member of the Scotts Valley Rotary Club, having served several times as a past board member.

 

During John P. Weiss’ tenure as Chief of Police, he modernized the department’s 9-1-1 dispatch center with updated equipment and a state of the art records management system. In addition to equipment and technological improvements, Chief Weiss directed the upgrade of the department’s website and social media presence to improve transparency and rapport with the community.

 

Chief Weiss is a member of the California Police Chiefs Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, and has long supported the advocacy group “Fight Crime: Invest in Kids.”

 

Chief Weiss has been a consistent supporter of community policing and demanded that all individuals, including those on the margins of society, be treated with basic human dignity.

 

Chief Weiss has long appreciated the love and support of his wife, Nicole, and son, Conner. As a professionally trained landscape painter, published writer and bibliophile, Chief Weiss plans to pursue these passions in retirement.

 

Chief Weiss is extremely proud of the men and women of the Scotts Valley Police Department, and considers it a privilege to have served as their Chief of Police.

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