Captain Jonathan Larson has been selected as the new Chief of Police Services for the City of Mission Viejo, according to a March 9 announcement. He will begin his assignment on March 20.
Larson said, “Bringing my experience to this team is both an honor and a responsibility that I take seriously. I look forward to serving alongside the dedicated team that works hard every day to provide exceptional policing services to the city of Mission Viejo.”
Larson joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in 2006 and has held various roles, including assignments in custody operations, patrol in San Juan Capistrano, and work with the Special Investigations Bureau’s South Gang Enforcement Team. He later investigated narcotics sales and human trafficking offenses with the North Narcotics team before moving to the Homicide Bureau and serving as an investigator for the Child Abduction Response Team. In recent years, he managed daily operations at correctional facilities and oversaw special events planning as an administrative sergeant.
In 2024, Larson led operations at the Real Time Operations Center, managing crime analysis and supporting field personnel during active incidents. Most recently, he served as watch commander for the Intake and Release Center after being promoted to lieutenant in 2026. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from University of Phoenix and a master’s degree from Purdue University. He has received several honors such as National Real Time Crime Center Region of the Year California Working Group Leader (2025), Orange County Gang Investigator of the Year (2018), and Elks Lodge Deputy of the Year (2013).
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department advances community safety through resources like missing persons alerts and emergency preparedness programs, according to its official website. The department includes nearly 4,000 sworn and professional staff across various commands and divisions according to its official website. It focuses on protecting communities through impartial law enforcement guided by integrity and respect according to its official website.
The department also implements state laws such as AB 481 for military equipment oversight and SB 384 for sex offender registration according to its official website. Its jurisdiction extends across Orange County, covering multiple locations according to its official website, while embodying a tradition rooted in early settlers who helped transform barren land into thriving communities according to its official website.
Looking ahead, Larson said he is committed to working with his team in Mission Viejo: “I look forward to serving alongside the dedicated team that works hard every day.”
