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Santa Clara County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
Smart Voter Full Biography for Michael J. "Mike" Sellers

Candidate for
Chief of Police; City of Santa Clara

[photo]
This information is provided by the candidate

Law Enforcement Career

Mike Sellers' law enforcement career with the Santa Clara Police Department:

  • Began as a Cadet in 1978
  • He went on to become a SCPD Reserve Police Officer in 1982
  • Mike was hired as a Police Officer in 1985 and worked a variety of assignments,including:
    - Specialized Crime Action Team, Undercover Narcotics Investigator
    - SWAT
    - Santa Clara County Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Task Force
    - Field Training Officer
    - Charter member of the Special Enforcement Team
    - Mike was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Evidence Technician Program

Mike promoted to Sergeant in 1997, and
  • Supervised a patrol team
  • Was a member of the Special Response Team (Tactical Unit)
  • Supervised the Undercover Narcotics Unit (SCAT) and served as liaison with allied agencies
  • Supervised the Special Enforcement Team (which actively seeks out dangerous criminals)

In 2004, Mike was promoted to Lieutenant and served:
  • In the Field Operations Division as:
    - Watch Commander
    - Special Operations Coordinator, including the Hostage Negotiations Team
    - Reserve Officer Coordinator and Special Events Coordinator
  • In the Administrative Services Division, Mike:
    - Coordinated the Citizens' Police Academy and Senior Citizen Police Academy
    - Assisted with City-wide community programs such as National Night Out, Art & Wine Festival, Neighborhood Watch, and D.A.R.E.
    - Served as the department's Public Information Officer

In 2008, Mike was promoted to Captain and took command of the Field Operations Division

In July 2010, he transferred to the Administrative Services Division

In January 2012, Mike was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police where he currently manages the daily operations of the Police Department and oversees an annual budget of $44 million dollars.

Community Involvement

Over the years Mike has enjoyed fostering professional relationships with:

  • Executive staff members from local police agencies
  • Owners of local businesses
  • and most recently working in partnership with other City Departments
  • Mike feels we must all work together to make the City of Santa Clara a safe and enjoyable place to live and work.

Mike works closely with, and is involved in, several service groups:

  • Employer School Council (ESC), which raises scholarship funds for students at New Valley High School and Wilson Adult Education
  • Santa Clara Optimist, participating in Christmas for Kids and JW House at Kaiser Hospital
  • Santa Clara Rotary Club
  • Mission City Community Fund
  • DeAnza College Administration of Justice Advisory Board
  • San Jose Pioneer Lions Club Silicon Valley
  • Korean American Federation
  • Mike has served as "Santa Claus" since 2001 at the City's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and at visits to the children in Kaiser Hospital

Education

  • Mike is a graduate of CSULB and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Studies
  • Mike graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy, and
  • the P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards and Training) and Sherman Block Supervisory Institute

Personal

  • Mike is a Santa Clara resident and homeowner
  • He has two children, Matthew and Amanda, who both attended Mission College before transferring to a University
  • Mike's son, Matthew, has recently been hired as a Santa Clara Firefighter and is attending the Fire Academy.

Mike strongly believes that his years of commitment, dedication and experience formed his leadership style. He leads by example and never jeopardizes his integrity or trust - this is the "Santa Clara Way".

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 25, 2012 17:54
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