Former Turlock Police Chief Robert Jackson has been hired to be the new chief of police for the city of Seaside.
Jackson, who served with the Turlock Police Department for eight years, was selected to helm Seaside's department through a national recruitment program that drew in 34 applicants.

“Chief  Jackson’s  experience,  skill  and  leadership  qualities  made  him  the  clear  choice  of  the  interview  panel,  and  I  look  forward  to  his  contributions  here  in  Seaside," said Seaside City Manager Craig Malin.

Jackson’s career in law enforcement began when he was 15 years old and began volunteering as a student aid at the Ceres Police Department. He went on to be a police explorer and in 1988 he graduated from Modesto Junior College’s police academy and was hired on with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department. At the sheriff’s department, Jackson served in multiple special assignments and rose through the ranks, which all culminated with his assignment as the police chief for Waterford.

In November 2007, Jackson joined the Turlock Police Department, where he commanded both field and special operations divisions at various times. He was promoted to chief in 2012, and left the department in August.

“I am very excited to have been selected to lead the Seaside Police Department and become a member of such a wonderful community," Jackson said in a news release. "My wife Melinda and I are looking forward to our transition into the area.  Our police department’s direction for the future will be based on serving our community  in a  collaborative and professional manner. From the staff that I have already met with it is obvious we have a proud organization that truly cares about our citizens.”

Jackson’s starting salary will be $169,665.