By Camas Frank

A week after losing its chief, the San Luis Obispo Police Department is still moving along on its strategic plans and completing ongoing projects.
Capt. Chris Staley, the acting chief, said last week that it was premature for him to consider throwing his hat into the ring for the vacancy. After all, City leaders still needs to figure out exactly what they’re going to be looking for with the next chief, and community outreach hasn’t started yet.
It’s the second time in a little over three years though that Staley has stepped in to lead the department through a transition process.
“I did it following Deb Linden’s retirement,” he said. “It’s very similar, but there are a lot of internal [to the City] discussions that need to take place.”
The overall process is expected to take from four to six months with meetings set through June and the more public elements of a search to follow.
In the meantime, ongoing projects are still being overseen by Capt. Staley and Capt. Keith Storton. The pair would normally supervise different aspects of the department but a few things have had to be delegated off Capt. Staley’s desk for the transitory period.
For instance, the SLO Regional SWAT Team headed by Capt. Staley with manpower and equipment from several municipal departments and Cal Poly, is slated to purchase a tactical robot with funds from a grant from the Department of Homeland Security.
Approved by the SLO City Council last month, final purchase and selection of the bot will be taken care of at lower levels of administration.
The SWAT team isn’t getting short shrift though. SLOPD is working with the County Sheriff’s Office to consider bringing in the Sheriff’s newest K-9 unit. Members of SWAT normally unaccustomed to working with police dogs, recently trained with “DJ” and his handler and options are being explored for permanent availability.
“I’d like to make sure [that Sheriff Ian Parkinson] knows we’re interested but there are a lot of details to be worked out,” Capt. Staley said. “There’s a lot on my desk at the moment.”
While Staley may or may not try to fill former Chief Steve Gesell’s shoes, his office will remain unoccupied. Capt. Staley is working from the same desk and phone number he’s had since 2010.