Quick Take
The City of Watsonville announced on Tuesday afternoon that it has chosen San Jose Assistant Chief of Police Brian Shab as its next police chief, following longtime chief Jorge Zamora’s retirement in August.
The City of Watsonville announced on Tuesday afternoon that it has chosen San Jose Assistant Chief of Police Brian Shab as its next police chief, following longtime chief Jorge Zamora’s retirement in August.
“I am truly honored, humbled, and excited to have been selected to serve as the next Chief of Police for the City of Watsonville. As a Santa Cruz County resident, Watsonville holds a special place in my heart,” Shab said in a media release. “It is a beautifully diverse, hard-working, and family-oriented community. I will lead with accountability, compassion, and respect, and continue strengthening the community trust and relationships that are already a hallmark of the Watsonville Police.”
Shab, an East San Jose native, served in the military for eight years before joining the San Jose Police Department in 1998. Shab has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice management and a master’s in law enforcement and public safety leadership and received multiple recognitions throughout his career in San Jose.
“Chief Shab brings extensive experience in law enforcement and is a proven leader who has dedicated his career to public service,” Watsonville City Manager Tamara Vides said in the release. “Chief Shab takes great pride in having built a reputation for integrity, fairness, transparency, and earned trust by putting people first; both within the organization and in the communities he serves.”
Shab is expected to assume his new role in early 2026.
Have news that should be in Lookout Briefs? Send your news releases, including contact information, to news@lookoutlocal.com.
