Establishing her reputation as a professional with exceptional work ethic, positivity, and passion for service, Jennifer Gonzales was appointed the Chief of Police in Napa, CA in August 2021. Jennifer started her law enforcement career in 1993 in Chico, CA and eventually moved to Napa in 2015. Early in her career she found her passion for the field… Honor is the expectation of a police officer, not the exception. Much of the vitality in a law enforcement career lies in the continual challenge to improve skills and expand responsibilities for those we serve.
Come hear Chief Gonzales's thoughts and insights on the current challenges and opportunities facing the City of Napa and the law enforcement profession. The facilitator for this event will be the former City of Napa Mayor, Jill Techel.
Jennifer’s academic accomplishments include a Master of Arts (MA) in Behavioral Science: Negotiation and Conflict Management from the California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Latin American Studies with a Health Science minor (Dean’s Honor list, Golden Key National Honor’s Society member, GST graduate) from the California State University, Chico. Jennifer is a graduating member of the 2nd Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) class at Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University, 271st class of the FBI National Academy, 52nd POST Command College class, and the 245th POST Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI) class.
In her role as a Captain in the Napa Police Department, Jennifer oversaw the Operations Division. In addition, she has served as the Administration Division Captain overseeing the Dispatch Center, and acting as the Training Manager, State of California Alcohol Beverage Control liaison, and the liaison for civil and legal claims against the City of Napa Police Department. Jennifer served as the Peer Support Coordinator, Inter-Departmental Review PERC/IDR representative, Child Abuse Prevention Council member, Napa Opioid Safety Coalition member, Napa Valley Latino Leadership liaison, Napa Valley Community Leaders Coalition member, District Attorney’s Office Liaison, Press Information Officer/Media Relations, Social Media Coordinator, and departmental Fleet Manager.
Throughout her early years while at the City of Chico, she worked extensively in Patrol, Administration, Detectives, and Youth Services Divisions. Responsibilities included Detective Bureau, Gang, and Narcotic Units Lieutenant, as well as the Professional Standards Unit Sergeant for Internal Affairs investigations, Pre-Employment Backgrounds, and Recruitment. She was a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management team, was the Terrorism Liaison Officer Coordinator, and Tactical Commander for the SWAT and Hostage Negotiation teams in Napa and Chico. As a certified member of International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) team, Jennifer traveled to New York City during the aftermath of 9/11 to assist with first responders’ recovery/health programs.
Jennifer is often a guest speaker providing training and education in business, educational, and professional arenas. She is a Star Wars fan and enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her friends and family, which includes two Australian Shepherds.
Event Registration is required.
Registration will close 5pm, Tuesday, September 21.
Zoom invites to be sent Wednesday night, September 22.
