Scott Haggard Is Orinda's New Police Chief

Orinda's new police chief, who starts his new job Thursday, is a veteran lieutenant with the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff.

Scott Haggard succeeds Jeff Jennings, who is taking a job as deputy chief of the BART Police Department.

Haggard was chosen after a rigorous process including interviews with a professional and community board, a written exercise and multiple one-on-one interviews with City Manager Janet Keeter, according to a city of Orinda news release.

More from the city's news release:

Chief Haggard began his career with the Office of the Sheriff in 1996 and progressed through the ranks serving in many capacities ranging from Field Operations Patrol Supervisor to his recent assignment as Custody Services Facility Commander for the West County Detention Facility.

Chief Haggard holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology from California State University of Sacramento. He looks forward to beginning his new assignment with the City of Orinda on Thursday May 16, 2013. Upon being notified that he was selected to serve as Orinda’s Police Chief, Lt. Haggard said “I am honored to be selected as your Chief of Police. I look forward to serving the community to keep Orinda a safe place to work and live."

Police Chief Jeff Jennings announced his retirement from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff after 21 years of service effective May 17, 2013. Chief Jennings has done an outstanding job for the Orinda community and the City organization over the past three years and he will be greatly missed.