By SDCN Editor
El Cajon, CA–After nearly three decades of distinguished service with the El Cajon Police Department, Chief Michael Moulton has announced his retirement, effective December 17.
Moulton’s tenure spans over 29 years, beginning his career with the department in November 1995. He has served as the fifteenth chief of the department, a milestone reflecting his long-standing role in the growth and evolution of the department.
He has been an integral part of the El Cajon Police Department, serving in every division throughout his career. He began in the Community Policing Unit to become a detective in the Gang Suppression Unit.
In September 2019, City Manager Graham Mitchell appointed Mike Moulton as the Chief of Police, positioning him to guide the department through some of its most challenging times, including the global pandemic and the civil unrest of 2020.
“Leading this department through the pandemic and the unprecedented challenges of 2020 was one of my proudest moments. The resilience of our officers and the support from our community helped us emerge stronger, and I’m proud to have been part of that,” said Moulton about his career in law enforcement.
These difficulties in law enforcement times across the country, resulted in an erosion of public trust leading to unprecedented attrition, with recruitment numbers plummeting, and departments struggling to retain officers. Under Moulton’s leadership, the El Cajon Police Department navigated these challenges successfully by growing strong community support and adapting to the changing environment.
One key reason the department was able to remain resilient was Moulton’s commitment to innovation and the support of his team. He prioritized implementing new technologies, such as the Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) program, which recovered over $1.2 million in stolen vehicles and resulted in 151 arrests in its first year. Additionally, Moulton expanded the use of drone technology, significantly improving response times and officer safety during critical incidents. The department also implemented new recruiting tactics that kept it staffed and successful.
As the department grew and adapted, Moulton also emphasized officer wellness, recognizing the mental health challenges officers face.
“We’ve come a long way in recognizing the mental health challenges officers face. When I started, mental health wasn’t something we discussed openly, but today, it’s a priority,” Moulton noted.
He made significant strides in ensuring officers had the resources to manage the emotional toll of their work, promoting a culture of transparency and support.
During his tenure, Moulton oversaw the hiring of 110 officers, even as law enforcement agencies nationwide struggled with recruitment. He worked to ensure the department maintained its strength and ability to serve the growing community. The department, has 199 full-time positions, including 136 sworn officers and 63 civilian staff.
Throughout his career, Moulton remained committed to fostering strong community ties. Whether through enhanced social media engagement or the positive interactions fostered by the School Resource Officer program, Moulton prioritized transparency and relationship-building with the public. He believed that community trust was the foundation for effective policing and worked to ensure that the department remained open and communicative, especially during difficult times.
“Chief Moulton has led with integrity and compassion. His leadership during challenging times and his commitment to innovation has been invaluable to the safety and well-being of our city. He will be greatly missed,” said El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells.
Outside of his professional achievements, Moulton is known for his deep ties to the El Cajon community and devotion to his family. He has lived in San Diego County since childhood, and his parents, brother, and children remain in the area. Moulton has two children—a son is currently attending college, and a daughter is in high school.
As Chief Moulton prepares to pass the torch, he offers sage advice to his successor and future police recruits.
“Always remember why you’re doing this job. Our core mission is to protect and serve the community, and that should be the guiding principle in every decision. To my successor, never lose sight of the importance of listening to your officers. They are the ones on the front lines every day, and their insights are invaluable. For new recruits, understand that this is a noble profession, and while the challenges are many, the rewards far outweigh them. Make moral and ethical decisions, and you will have a long and successful career.”
Moulton’s official retirement date is December 30, and the City of El Cajon will begin the process of selecting his successor in the coming months.
