AN JOSE, Calif. (Jan. 9, 2024) – Police Chief Anthony Mata announced his intention to retire in March of 2024 after 28 years of service with the San José Police Department. Beginning in April 2024, Chief Mata will transition to a new role serving all of Santa Clara County as the newly appointed Investigations Bureau Chief for the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.
“This decision was not easy, but after careful consideration, I believe it is the right time for me to embark on a new role with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office. I am incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement I have received throughout my career. It is the collaboration with the residents, community leaders, City Administration, Mayor and Council, and countless Department members who made being Chief of Police possible.
Our success has been a direct result of the hard work, dedication, and professionalism shown by every member of this department, every day. I have full faith and confidence that the unparalleled commitment to this community and the high standards that have made SJPD the leader in our profession will continue. I am forever grateful for the memories and friendships I made within the organization and in the community.
It is essential that the great work San José officers do is supported by successful investigations and prosecutions at the District Attorney's office. Like me, our District Attorney believes in providing the highest level of service to our community and I look forward to continuing to do that in a new capacity just across the street.” - Chief Anthony Mata
“Chief Anthony Mata has announced his retirement from the City of San José. During his 28 years in San José, Chief Mata’s accomplishments are vast. He implemented the Department’s first Strategic Plan which focuses on five strategic goals that provide focus, direction, and alignment for the Department’s future; increased diversity through the sworn officer ranks; and has made it a pinnacle of his career to build the community’s trust and confidence in the Police Department through accountability measures and by managing hundreds of police reforms initiatives.
While we will miss his leadership, we wish him the best in his retirement and new professional endeavors.
Details on the recruitment process and his interim replacement will be forthcoming. The goal is to announce an interim Chief of Police and begin the recruitment process before Chief Mata retires in March.” - San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire
“I want to thank Chief Mata for the years he has given to San José,” said Mayor Matt Mahan. “Safety relies on mutual trust and respect between law enforcement and the community — and during his tenure as Chief, Tony has won both the trust of the neighborhoods he protects and the respect of the force he leads. He’s strived to build a more transparent and accountable police department, work I know will be carried on by whoever follows in his footsteps. I will rest easier at night knowing that he will continue to serve San José in his new position overseeing investigations for the District Attorney’s Office.”
About Chief Mata:
Chief Mata started his career in the Police Department as a Police Officer in 1996, working his way up the ranks to become Chief of Police in 2021. Chief Mata received his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Illinois, Chicago and his Master of Arts in Public Administration from San José State.
During his tenure with SJPD, Chief Mata worked various assignments including: Patrol, Homicide, Robbery, Day Detective, Night Detective, BFO Admin, Research and Development Unit, Foothill Division Captain, Bureau of Investigations Captain, Deputy Chief for the Bureau of Field Operations, Deputy Chief of the Executive Office and Chief of Police.