SCPD Announces Lieutenant and Sergeant Promotions

The Santa Cruz Police Department proudly announces the promotion of two veteran officers to the position of Police Lieutenant and Police Sergeant. Introducing Lieutenant Jose Garcia and Sergeant Karina Ceceña

Both Lieutenant Garcia and Sergeant Ceceña were promoted on Wednesday afternoon September 14 following a rigorous and competitive testing process. "Jose Garcia and Karina Ceceña demonstrate dedication and leadership skills at the highest levels and will be strong assets to our leadership team,” said Chief Vogel.

Lieutenant Jose Garcia

Lieutenant Garcia started his career by volunteering with the Santa Cruz Police Department as a teen. He continued on and became a non-sworn Community Service Officer before being hired as a Police Officer trainee in 2001.

Over the course of his career, Lieutenant Garcia has worked as a foot patrol officer in the Beach area, worked in investigations as a detective, served as a canine handler, and was one of the founding members of the Emergency Services Unit Tactical team.

Lieutenant Garcia has supervised Patrol teams and specialized teams such as the Canine Unit, and Neighborhood Enforcement Team. He has co-coordinated and instructed the department’s Citizen’s Police Academy in both English and Spanish languages. Lieutenant Garcia is currently serving in the Professional Standards Unit.

Sergeant Karina Ceceña

Sergeant Ceceña is a 16 year veteran of the police department. Sergeant Ceceña began her career assigned to uniform patrol. She soon transitioned to the Canine Unit where she became an accomplished handler. She partnered with K-9 Jax for the next eight years. Sergeant Ceceña and K-9 Jax were credited with locating and apprehending numerous suspects and recovering several crucial items of evidence such as handguns and other weapons.

Throughout her career, Sergeant Ceceña has worked in patrol, investigations, K-9 and has been a member of the Emergency Services Unit Tactical Team. Sergeant Ceceña most recently served as a Field Training Officer instructing and training new patrol officers.

Born in Mexico and raised in Los Angeles, Sergeant Ceceña has enjoyed living and working in Santa Cruz.

Chief Vogel said of both Lieutenant Garcia and Sergeant Ceceña, "They are fully engaged with our community partners and embrace our department's core values. They possess the vital leadership qualities required to uphold the professionalism the community expects from the Santa Cruz Police Department.”

Please join us in celebrating and congratulating these veteran officers on achieving a significant milestone in their careers.