New York:
A veteran Indian-American police officer has been appointed the police chief of a Californian city.
Manjit Sappal, selected unanimously from a group of six finalists, will take over as Martinez city police chief on August 31, city authorities announced yesterday.
His elevation to the top post was approved last night by the Martinez city council. He will replace Gary Peterson, who left the department more than a year ago. The employment agreement was approved by a 5-0 vote.
Mr Sappal, who joined the Richmond department in 1997, will succeed acting Chief Eric Ghisletta. The city has a population of over 37,000.
"I am truly honored to be considered for the position. Martinez is a great City and I appreciate the opportunity to work with the excellent Martinez Police Department and serve the community," Mr Sappal was quoted as saying in the press release of Martinez city.
He has over 20 years of law enforcement experience and currently leads the Southern Policing district of the City.
During his tenure in Richmond Police Department, Mr Sappal served as a First Line Supervisor and Manager over several key areas.
Mr Sappal graduated from the FBI National Academy and has attended the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police and holds a master's degree in the public administration from the Golden Gate University.
He will draw a salary of $175,000 (Rs 1.14 crore) a year.
The process to choose a successor to former Chief Peterson, who departed in early last year, was a bumpy and at times bitter one. Two council members had favored Ghisletta, a Martinez native.