BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills has appointed Chief Sandra Spagnoli from the City of San Leandro as the new chief of the Beverly Hills Police Department. Spagnoli is expected to assume her role on Monday, March 14.

“I am looking forward to becoming part of the City of Beverly Hills team and building on the legacy of excellence in City services and safety,” Chief Spagnoli said. “The community and police department have an outstanding reputation and it is an honor to be selected as the next police chief in Beverly Hills.”

“We are fortunate to welcome such an exceptional professional whose skills and principles will help guide our Police Department as we move forward,” said Mayor Julian Gold.

According to a press release from the city of Beverly Hills, Spagnoli is a 33-year law enforcement veteran. She started her career with the San Carlos Police Department in 1983 as a police explorer. In 1990, she was hired as a full-time police officer and later promoted to sergeant in 1996. Two years later she was promoted to commander.

Spagnoli previously held the position of Chief of the Benicia Police Department for 4 years before being appointed the Police Chief for the San Leandro Police Department in 2011.

“Chief Spagnoli is an accomplished veteran with an outstanding reputation who brings to our City organization a tremendous record of law enforcement leadership, and integrity achieved throughout her career,” said Beverly Hills City Manager Mahdi Aluzri.

As police chief, Spagnoli has been successful in implementing contemporary public safety initiatives reducing crime, incorporating grant funding to start new programs, developing community partnerships, enhancing neighborhood outreach and utilizing technology to enhance the delivery of police services.

She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services Management. Spagnoli attended the FBI Academy, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Leadership Academy, Executive Leaders Program at the Naval Postgraduate School/Center for Homeland Security and Defense and POST Command College. She has instructed at the LAPD’s Leadership Academy since 2000.

Chief Spagnoli will continue the process of utilizing recommendations in a recent management report and survey of the Beverly Hills Police Department. The report made recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the BHPD’s hiring and disciplinary procedures. Such recommendations incorporate areas such as recruitment, promotions, the disciplinary process, communication and team building.