City council confirms new SDPD police chief

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The San Diego Police Department has a new police chief: Scott Wahl.

The city council unanimously selected Wahl, SDPD's current assistant police chief, for the open position on Monday after a six-month process, the City of San Diego said in a news release.

“With his wealth of experience, demonstrated commitment to protecting and serving our communities and his forward-thinking vision for our police department, Scott Wahl is the right person to lead the San Diego Police Department in its mission to keep all San Diego residents safe,” Mayor Todd Gloria said about Wahl whom he chose as his nominee on March 21. “Assistant Chief Wahl is a man of great integrity and exceptional experience, and he will serve our community with distinction and honor. I thank the City Council for unanimously agreeing to place their trust in him.” 

Wahl, who has been with SDPD for 26 years, was chosen from a pool of 56 candidates to replace San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit. Nisleit has served with the police department for 36 years.

“I want to thank Mayor Todd Gloria and the City Council for giving me this incredible opportunity. I am honored by the trust they have placed in me to lead this organization into the future,” Wahl said. “My vision is to build an inclusive organization that is reflective of the city we serve, and I look forward to working collaboratively with civic leaders and representatives of communities across San Diego to build a safer San Diego.” 

Video: City Councilmember Steven Whitburn weighs in on what to expect from the new SDPD police chief and the police department moving forward

Wahl was formerly a police officer in the Southern Division, a detective in the Vice Unit, and captain for the Neighborhood Policing Division, the Northern Division and the Operational Support Division. He then transitioned to assistant chief overseeing special projects and legislative affairs. 

Wahl's start date as the new police chief begins on June 7.