Ross Taps Ex-San Rafael Cop To Head Police Department

SAN RAFAEL, CA — A former San Rafael police lieutenant has been selected to be the town of Ross’ Top Cop.

Raffaello “Ralph” Pata replaces outgoing Police Chief Erik Masterson, who has headed the town’s force since March 7, 2011.

Pata ended a 34-year run with the San Rafael Police Department when he retired Aug. 31, 2018.

He has worked as a Marin County District Attorney investigator for the Northern California Computer Crimes Task Force since Dec. 2018.

Pata’s three-year contract was scheduled to go before the Town Council on Monday.

Under terms of the deal, Pata will earn $161,300 with a 1 percent raise on July 1 of this year and a 2.5 percent raise in each of the next two years starting July 1.