Captain Terrance Burton has been selected as the Chief of Police Services for the City of San Juan Capistrano, according to a March 9 announcement. He will begin his new assignment on March 20.
Burton’s appointment is significant for the community, as he brings extensive experience from various roles within the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. “I’m deeply honored to serve this community and to lead the dedicated personnel who are committed to its safety,” Burton said. “I look forward to working together to strengthen our partnerships and continue providing exceptional service.”
Burton joined the department in 2006 as a Sheriff’s Special Officer and became a deputy in 2007, initially assigned to custody operations at Theo Lacy Jail Facility before serving Laguna Hills as a patrol deputy. Over his career, he has held positions including instructor at the Tactical Training Center, investigator with the Custody Intelligence Unit monitoring gang activity, sergeant at the Intake and Release Center managing custody operations, supervisor in internal affairs with SAFE Division, and most recently lieutenant overseeing operations at James A. Musick Facility.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department advances community safety through resources such as missing persons alerts and emergency preparedness programs according to the official website. The department includes nearly 4,000 sworn and professional staff across various commands and divisions according to the official website.
The department focuses on protecting communities through impartial law enforcement guided by integrity and respect according to the official website. It also embodies the spirit of early settlers who transformed Orange County from barren land into thriving communities according to the official website.
Operations extend across Orange County, California, covering various locations according to the official website. The department implements state laws including AB 481 for military equipment oversight and SB 384 for sex offender registration according to the official website.
Burton holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from San Diego State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from California State University, Long Beach.
