Pacifica Police Chief Jim Tasa - who is he?

Another look at our new police chief, appointment 7/8/11, oath of office 7/13/11.

Pacifica Tribune/Elaine Larsen, 5/19/11. "Pacifica City Manager Steve Rhodes has appointed Jim Tasa as the new Police Chief for the City of Pacifica. He will succeed Jim Saunders who retired from the position in December 2010 but has been working on an interim basis. Tasa was selected through an internal recruitment that included three candidates from the department. Tasa is a 28-plus year veteran employee of the Pacifica Police Department, who is married and has two teenage sons. Tasa comes from a family of law enforcement, which includes his brother-in-laws Mike Pedrini (retired Inspector, San Francisco Police Department), Bill Pedrini (retired Assistant Sheriff, San Mateo County Sheriff's Department), Jonathan Smith (retired Police Officer, Salinas Police Department) and nephews Chris Pedrini (Lieutenant, San Francisco Police Department) and Vincent Pedrini (Police Officer, San Francisco Police Department).

Hired in November 1982 as a police officer, Tasa subsequently held positions as a motorcycle officer and narcotics officer. In 1992 he was promoted to sergeant. As a sergeant, he worked in patrol, juvenile and administrative positions. In 2002, Tasa was promoted to captain, where he supervised the field services, administrative services and investigative services divisions on a rotating basis. Tasa holds a bachelor of arts degree in management from Saint Mary's College and is a graduate of both the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training Command. Tasa has been recognized in the past by the San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association as "Police Officer of the Year" and has been awarded the Pacifica Police Department's Life-Saving Medal.College and Supervisory Leadership Institute. 

Initially, Tasa said he does not anticipate making many changes. Currently, he will be evaluating the current budget cuts and the impact they will have on the police department. The loss of a captain's position will force him to look at possibly reorganizing the department into two divisions versus the three current divisions. In addition, the department is considering outsourcing the communications division which will require much oversight, he said. "I am excited about the current and future challenges the department will be facing," Tasa said. "I recognize I have received much support from colleagues within the department as well as from the community. I look forward to the continued support as the department moves forward. It is the people within this organization that make it the successful and professional department it is."

"Captain Tasa is an excellent leader to get us through these times of budget challenges," added Chief Saunders. "He understands the operations of the department, the role we have in the community and the tough choices that have to be made while keeping Pacifica safe. He is well grounded, cares about his personnel and has the experience, training and dedication to make the Pacifica Police Department an even better agency as we move through these uncharted times. "I'm pleased that Jim Tasa accepted the Police Chief position and look forward to working with him," said City Manager Rhodes. "He brings years of experience and solid knowledge of the department to the position." Tasa's appointment will be effective on July 8."

Posted by Kathy Meeh