Monterey’s newly appointed police chief John Mackie said he is prepared to lead the police department and the community.
Mackie said it is an honor to be appointed as the police chief of his hometown and he is excited to serve the people he has lived with for so long. Mackie said one of his main priorities will be focusing on professionalism in the department because people look up to law enforcement.
“I want them to be integrity, or work with integrity and professionalism all the time,” Mackie said. “I want to have a proactive department and get to know the citizens of the town better.”
Monterey’s Civil Service Board appointed Mackie to the role Tuesday night. He replaces Bill Randolph, who was terminated last year. Mackie was previously an investigator for the District Attorney’s office dealing with child support cases.
Mackie said he wants to get involved in the community and have a strong presence by using social media, attending local events, and having face-to-face interactions with locals. Mackie said his goal is to start his new position by March 1.
“I hope to build a stronger relationship with the businesses owners, the citizens, and especially the children,” Mackie said.
Mackie said working as a police chief or sheriff has been his end goal since he graduated from the police academy.
“All police officers have to do a forty-hour in-service training,” Mackie said. “And I’ll be looking for chief conferences to go to as well for myself.”
