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New Santa Paula police chief addresses sexual assault accusations
SANTA PAULA, Calif. The first week is in the books for Santa Paula’s new police chief, but it comes with some scrutiny because of accusations from a previous job.
Travis Walker wrapped up his first week as Santa Paula Police Chief on Friday.
“It is always an honor to be able to serve a community in any capacity,” said Walker. “The same way you are tasked with providing for your family, now I have to provide for an entire community that now becomes my family.”
Walker says it was a busy first week getting to know the city and his staff, but it hasn’t been a warm welcome from everyone in the community. Protests and petitions were launched after news surfaced that he d been accused of sexual assault in a previous job.
KESQ/City of Santa Paula
Travis Walker has been hired as the new police chief of Santa Paula
SANTA PAULA, Calif. Travis Walker, Santa Paula s new police chief, began his new career in Ventura County on Monday.
Walker takes over for a city that has been without a permanent chief for a prolonged period of time.
“We went through an extensive recruitment process,” said Daniel Singer, who is the Santa Paula City Manager. “We ended up with 19 qualified applicants which is a pretty good showing for us.”
Santa Barbara, Port Hueneme, and San Gabriel police chief serve on the panel to help narrow the decision down to three finalists.
KESQ/City of Santa Paula
Travis Walker has been hired as the new police chief of Santa Paula
SANTA PAULA, Calif. - The City of Santa Paula has hired a new police chief. Travis Walker will take over as the city s chief of police on Feb. 1.
Walker has several years of experience as a chief of police, but he brings with him some accusations of malfeasance.
Walker began his career with the San Bernardino Police Department where he worked a variety of assignments including patrol, narcotics, gangs and various detective and managerial roles throughout his nearly 20-year career. He also served as the Tactical Commander during the 2015 San Bernardino terror attack.