San Leandro Selects New Police Chief

SAN LEANDRO, CA — San Leandro has hired a new police chief with impeccable credentials.

Abdul Pridgen has 29 years of law enforcement experience, is currently the president of the California Police Chiefs Association, and is highly trained.

Pridgen's education includes:

• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Dallas Baptist University
• Master of Public Administration from Tarleton State University
• Southern Police Institute
• FBI National Academy
• FBI National Executive Institute
• Harvard University Kennedy School of Government

“Chief Pridgen is a well-respected law enforcement veteran, who is an advocate for diversity, inclusion, and a community builder,” said City Manager Fran Robustelli. “Chief Pridgen will provide immediate attention to pressing needs, such as transparency, investment into personnel, and implementing police oversight for the department.”

He will take over as chief in San Leandro on Sept. 13.

In response to his appointment, Chief Pridgen said, “It is an honor to be gifted the chance to serve the dedicated men and women of the San Leandro Police Department and the rich, diverse group of San Leandrans. Our profession faces many challenges, but we have a tremendous opportunity to set an example for progressive, procedurally just, transparent, accountable, and community-focused policing. I look forward to working closely with all of our internal and external stakeholders to make the San Leandro Police Department a pioneering model of contemporary policing for others to emulate.”

Pridgen comes to San Leandro after serving as the police chief of the City of Seaside. Before that, Pridgen spent 26 years with the City of Fort Worth, Texas, Police Department where he attained the highest rank of assistant chief of police.

Chief Susan Manheimer will continue as interim chief in San Leandro until Pridgen's arrival.