City gets a new police chief

Jeff Matson new T.O. Police Chief Cmdr. Jeff Matson has been selected to serve as police chief in Thousand Oaks, replacing police chief Cmdr. Dennis Carpenter. Carpenter has accepted a promotion to chief deputy of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department (VCSD).

Both will begin their new jobs on Feb. 8.

Matson, a 26-year VCSD veteran, was Moorpark's police chief from April 2006 to March 2008 before becoming manager of the sheriff 's department's Technical Services Bureau. That department includes the forensic and photo laboratories.

With the help of a committee of city executives, City Manager Scott Mitnick chose Matson from a list of candidates given to him by VCSD officials, according to city spokesperson Andrew Powers.

"Jeff 's extensive experience, intimate knowledge of the Thousand Oaks community and proven track record make him the ideal candidate to build upon our foundation of world-class public safety," Mitnick said.

Matson discussed some of his goals for the city.

Dennis Carpenter former T.O. Police Chief "I plan to continue to expand the youth and parent programs at the schools and in the community," he said.

He also wants to continue to create a strong partnership between the police department and businesses, schools and residents.

"Traffic safety is also always going to be a priority in Thousand Oaks," Matson said.

Carpenter served Thousand Oaks for four years.

He began his law enforcement career more than 34 years ago in the Port Hueneme Police Department before joining the sheriff's department in 1977.

Sheriff Bob Brooks said that Carpenter's success as Thousand Oaks Police Chief, his varied experience and excellent reputation throughout the department and community make him an ideal selection for second in command.

He'll replace retiring Chief Dep. Chris Godfrey as the leader of all of the sheriff's patrol operations.

"That responsibility will keep him close to Thousand Oaks. He will be at the East County Sheriff 's Department location, and we'll be glad to keep him close by," said Councilmember Dennis Gillette, who served in law enforcement

"(Carpenter) has done a truly outstanding job as police chief over the past four years," Mitnick said.

The city manager also praised Carpenter for converting the DARE program to the School Resource Officer program.

"He also led the charge in establishing the region's first Internet predator detective position right here in Thousand Oaks," Mitnick said.