March 2010 Speaker:
Escondido Police Chief:
Jim Maher

Profile – Jim Maher

• Originally from Syracuse NY. Enlisted in the Marine Corps and after an overseas tour (Japan) was stationed at Camp Pendleton as a military police officer.

• Hired by Escondido Police Department in June 1980.

• Named “Honor Graduate” from the 99th San Diego Police Academy – given award by Bill Kollender, who at the time was the SDPD Chief.

• Served on the Escondido Police Officers’ Association Board, including a year as president, from 1987-1990.

• Served as a patrol officer, field training officer, and detective until promoted to sergeant in 1988.

• Spent four years as the Special Investigations sergeant – drugs, gangs, vice, and intelligence – great people in the unit; best job in the Police Department!

• Promoted to lieutenant in 1996 and attended the F.B.I. National Academy in 1997.

• Investigations commander and press spokesperson from 2000-2004.

• Promoted to Captain in 2005 and oversaw the Services Bureau. Created a CompStat crime trends and analysis program to focus the Department’s efforts on crime reduction.

• Founder of the Escondido Police Athletic Program, coordinated semi-annual Department blood drives for 17 years, member of the Escondido Kiwanis Club, C.A.F.E., and many other community groups.

• AA Degree from Palomar College, a Bachelor’s in Business from National University, and a Master’s in Management, also from National University.

• Adjunct professor at Palomar College teaching classes in Narcotics, Community Relations, and Criminal Investigation.

• Married for 29 years to my beautiful wife, Eva; three wonderful children: Laura, 26, Jacob, 24, and Jeremy, 22, and two incredible grandchildren: Allisa, 8, and Bradley, 6.

• Hobbies include bowling, basketball, golf, running, and playing with my grandkids.

• Passionate fan of Syracuse University basketball; I used to possess season tickets which my friends and family got to enjoy more than I did!

• Promoted to Police Chief in July 2006. Has implemented the following:
o Established three pillars for the Police Department’s standards and efforts – Professional Conduct, Community Outreach and Crime Reduction
o Created a gang enforcement unit
o Created a community gang prevention program
o Established a community outreach position
o Developed a clearly defined policy regarding undocumented immigrants

• In the past four years, there has continued to be an unprecedented decline in crime and a significant decrease in traffic accidents. Chief Maher’s current goals are to reduce street robberies, gang violence, and greatly improve traffic safety in Escondido.