Joe Gorton

Background

About Joe Gorton

Former city manager of the City of San Ramon, California, for over six years. Has over 35 years of experience in local government. Led major initiatives to include a joint partnership with the local fire district which included the development of a modern public safety complex and emergency operations center. Created a joint dispatch center between city police and district fire agencies as well as local strategy to respond to mental health calls. Accomplishments include reorganizing city hall, securing funding for a major over crossing in the city, upgrading the city’s technology and implementing quality improvement processes. Primary negotiator with developers interested in building in a growing city. Named employee of the year by the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce resulting from excellent leadership through the Covid 19 global pandemic. Member of the leadership steering committee for mental health response protocols in Contra Costa County ultimately securing millions in funding for countywide mental health response. Career started in law enforcement with the county sheriff’s office and later transferred to the San Ramon Police Department when the city council voted to form their own police department after years of contracting police service. Ascended the ranks of Police Chief for the San Ramon Police Department and has over twenty-eight years of experience in law enforcement. While second in command of the newly formed San Ramon Police Department, was put in charge of its creation from the ground up. Tasked with leading the transition team and the formation of the department. This endeavor entailed creating comprehensive background checks, training, and orientation of new employees. Hiring over seventy police officers and civilian employees. Responsible for creating all operational policies for the department, acquiring the necessary law enforcement equipment, attaining California Peace Officers Standards and Training certification, Department of Justice certification, and the integration of law enforcement databases with county, state, and federal agencies. Has a broad scope of law enforcement experience to include the commanding officer for a minimum-security detention facility, County Board of Parole Commissioner, supervisor of patrol operations, general crimes, and violent crimes investigators, homicide callout team, hostage negotiations team, county and municipal patrol, jail operations, investigations, undercover narcotics, specialized enforcement team, youth services officer, helicopter flight officer, and training officer.