Gesell takes SLO police helm

January 2, 2012

Stephen Gesell

San Luis Obispo’s new police chief, Stephen Gesell, will be introduced Tuesday by city officials following what is being described as a “competitive recruitment and intensive selection process.”

Most recently, Gesell was interim police chief in Atascadero following a 20-year law enforcement career in Scottsdale, Arizona. Gesell replaces Deb Linden, who held the post for nine years. He take office Jan. 19 and his annual salary will be $157,508.

Gesell grew up in San Luis Obispo and graduated from SLO High School and Arizona State University. He holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. He’ll run a department with 57 sworn officers and a $15.4 million annual budget.


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I think it is a sad state of affairs when my hope for Gesell being competent is that his photo shows him to have kind eyes.


Sorry, but too many of this area’s first responders have just screwed up too much in too short of a time to inspire much hope for Gesell being any better than his predecessor.


Well……….good luck Mr. Gesell. We are counting on your professionalism, your decency and your common sense! Hope you make us proud!


Well, at least he has more educational credits than our elected Sheriff …. and I too am pretty sure he will be looking for a new Admin. Assistant …. just wondering where the woman with the apparent attitude will end up; maybe as a new assistant for the Mayor’s office?


No doubt Steve will be looking for a new Administrative Assistant …….


“Stephen Gesell, will be introduced Tuesday by city officials following what is being described as a “competitive recruitment and intensive selection process.”


A “competitive recruitment and intensive selection process ?? Steve had the position in the bag before Linden even announced her retirement. That is why he didn’t bother applying for the Police Chief position that was available in Atascadero when he was the interim Chief. It’s rather obvious that Linden just went through the motions of advertising the position, accepting applications and interviewing. No doubt Steve is more than qualified but why all the smoke and mirrors about the hiring process???