El Cajon Police Department Chief Michael Moulton announced his retirement on Sept. 19, effective. Dec. 17. Moulton’s tenure spans over 29 years, beginning his career with the department in November 1995. He has served as the 15th chief for the department, a milestone reflecting his long-standing role in the growth and evolution of the department.
Moulton has been an integral part of the El Cajon Police Department, serving in every division throughout his career. From starting in the Community Policing Unit to becoming a detective in the Gang Suppression Unit, Moulton’s contributions have been vast and varied. In September 2019, City Manager Graham Mitchell appointed Mike Moulton as the Chief of Police, positioning him to guide the department through some of its most challenging times, including the global pandemic and the civil unrest of 2020.
“Leading this department through the pandemic and the unprecedented challenges of 2020 was one of my proudest moments. The resilience of our officers and the support from our community helped us emerge stronger, and I’m proud to have been part of that,” said Moulton in a press release.
During his tenure, Moulton oversaw the hiring of 110 officers, even as law enforcement agencies nationwide struggled with recruitment. He worked tirelessly to ensure the department maintained its strength and ability to serve the growing community. The department, currently with 199 fulltime positions, including 136 sworn officers and 63 civilian staff, has continued to thrive under Moulton’s leadership.
Moulton prioritized implementing new technologies, such as the Automated License Plate Reader program, which recovered over $1.2 million in stolen vehicles and resulted in 151 arrests in just its first year. Additionally, Moulton expanded the use of drone technology, significantly improving response times and officer safety during critical incidents. The department also implemented new recruiting tactics which have kept the department staffed and successful.
“We’ve come a long way in recognizing the mental health challenges officers face. When I started, mental health wasn’t something we discussed openly, but today, it’s a priority,” added Moulton.
El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells praised Chief Moulton’s service.
“Chief Moulton has led with integrity and compassion. His leadership during challenging times and his commitment to innovation has been invaluable to the safety and well-being of our city. He will be greatly missed,” stated Wells.
Moulton offered advice to his successor and future police recruits.
“Always remember why you’re doing this job. Our core mission is to protect and serve the community, and that should be the guiding principle in every decision. To my successor, never lose sight of the importance of listening to your officers. They are the ones on the front lines every day, and their insights are invaluable. For new recruits, understand that this is a noble profession, and while the challenges are many, the rewards far outweigh them. Make moral and ethical decisions, and you will have a long and successful career,” he said.
Moulton’s official retirement date is Dec. 30, and the City of El Cajon will begin the process of selecting his successor in the coming months.
