San José State University Selects 27-Year San José Police Department Veteran

Contact: Pat Lopes Harris, SJSU Media Relations, 408-924-1748

SAN JOSÉ, Calif., — San José State University has appointed Peter Decena, a San José Police Department captain with nearly three decades of law enforcement experience, as its next police chief. He will start at SJSU in February, culminating a nationwide search. Decena will oversee UPD’s 31 sworn officers and 52 civilian employees.

“As an alumnus of San José State University, a ten-year resident of the downtown area, and a former University Police Department officer, I feel that I possess an insider’s view of the complexities facing a campus and student community located in and surrounded by a dynamic urban setting,” Decena said. “My many years at SJPD have not only forged my commitment to professionalism in policing, but also allowed me to build and maintain relationships throughout the department and the city that will be of great value to the campus community.”

One of 10 SJPD captains, Decena leads the 120 sworn officers and 12 civilian employees who comprise the Bureau of Investigations Person Crimes Division. Previously, while a lieutenant, Decena collaborated with many community-based organizations to develop and implement a county-wide joint response protocol that partners social workers with police officers to ensure the safety and well-being of children at risk.

Decena has received numerous awards and commendations including the Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children’s Services Certificate of Appreciation. He began his career as a University Police Department officer after graduating with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art from San José State. Decena is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. He will replace former Chief Andre Barnes, who retired in spring 2009.

San José State — Silicon Valley’s largest institution of higher learning with 30,000 students and 4,700 employees — is part of the California State University system. SJSU’s 154-acre downtown campus anchors the nation’s 10th largest city.