Following an extensive six-month recruitment process, involving input and insights from the City Council, members of the Los Alamitos community, and area stakeholders, the City of Los Alamitos is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Claborn as the City of Los Alamitos’ next Chief of Police.
Upon the recommendation of City Manager Chet Simmons, the Los Alamitos City Council unanimously confirmed Chief Claborn’s appointment at its January 18 meeting. “The environment facing law enforcement agencies across the nation today is one of serious challenges, but also great opportunities,” stated Simmons following the appointment. “In order for departments to be successful, leaders need to be engaged and work collaboratively with the communities that they serve. Throughout the entire recruitment and selection process, Chief Claborn demonstrated not only a keen ability to
effectively lead this department, but also an engrained calling to service and a steadfast desire to continue to build upon the trust that exists between our residents and their police department.”
After honorably serving his country in the military, Chief Claborn started his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles Police Department in 1996. Following a transfer to the Santa Ana Police Department in 2000, Claborn quickly rose through the ranks, ultimately achieving the rank of Commander.
During the course of his career, Chief Claborn was instrumental in implementing the first full-time therapeutic canine program in Orange County. Utilizing grant funding, he was able to modernize an Emergency Operations Center, making it one of the most technologically innovative in the County. He has also authored multiple publications bringing awareness to the topic of officer wellness. He has also devoted years of service to community engagement, with a focus on youth programs.
“It is a great honor to be appointed as the Chief of Police for the City of Los Alamitos. As a resident of this wonderful city, I will work diligently to uphold the highest level of public safety. I look forward to working in partnership with the men and women of this organization, the residents of this City, and the business community to establish a foundation of collaboration, making Los Alamitos the preeminent place to live, work, and shop,” stated Chief Claborn.
Stepping into the role recently held by retiring Chief Eric Nunez, Chief Claborn joins the City’s highly touted Police Department as it continues evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. His appointment is also part of a recent trend in Orange County law enforcement, for chiefs of police to live in the cities they serve. Claborn also holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University Long Beach and serves as a board member with several service and law enforcement organizations throughout the County.
“Los Alamitos has always prided itself on being a safe community that provides an excellent quality of life for our residents,“ stated Mayor Shelley Hasselbrink. “Spend any amount of time with Chief Claborn and you will be instantly struck by his intelligence and his passion for this community. We are confident that his experience and dedication to the profession
of law enforcement will be immensely beneficial to the Los Alamitos Police Department and the City as a whole. I am excited about the leadership team that the City has put in place and look forward to seeing what they are able to accomplish for Los Alamitos.”
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