PLEASANTON, Calif. — Police Chief David Swing has accepted the Executive Director position of the East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA). He will retire from the City of Pleasanton in April and is expected to start with EBRCSA in May 2024.
EBRCSA was created in September 2007 with the formation of a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to build, own, and operate a state-of-the-art digital P-25 compliant communications system for public agencies in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
Chief Swing has nearly 30 years of demonstrated law enforcement and leadership experience. During his career, he developed a proven track record of strategic budget management, commitment to community engagement and personnel development and has been a pioneer in deploying new law enforcement technology to meet the complex challenges of communities. “Our community has benefited from Chief Swing’s leadership, expertise, and passion for public service and public safety,” City Manager Gerry Beaudin said.
Prior to coming to Pleasanton, Swing served as the Police Chief of Morgan Hill for nine years. He also served as president of the California Police Chiefs Association where he actively engaged state legislators and successfully influenced legislation impacting California law enforcement agencies.
During his time in Pleasanton, Swing was responsible for numerous accomplishments. He was instrumental in the development and implementation of the award-winning Alternative Response Unit that introduced trained mental health clinicians during crisis situations reducing officer involvement; the program resulted in a nearly 50% overall reduction and a more than 70% reduction of those under the age of 18. During Swing’s tenure the department developed and implemented a 5-year strategic plan and increased employee recognition through an inaugural department awards ceremony. In late 2021, Swing led the establishment of the Community Advisory Board which provides valuable input and insights to the police chief on various policies and policing practices.
“Choosing to retire from a profession, city and department that has given me so much was a tremendously difficult decision. Throughout my time in Pleasanton, I was continuously impressed by how the women and men of the police department cared for our community and each other. While I am looking forward to the new professional challenges ahead with EBRCSA and continuing to serve in a purpose-filled role, I will always look back fondly on how the department welcomed me during the onset of the pandemic and hope the relationships I’ve made last as long as the things we accomplished,” remarked Swing.