South OC Times

Captain Justin Chevalier has been appointed as the new Chief of San Clemente Police Services, taking over the role on February 7.

“I am humbled and honored to step into this role and continue serving the San Clemente community with dedication and professionalism,” Captain Chevalier stated. “My goal is to strengthen public safety, foster community partnerships, and ensure that our city remains a safe and welcoming place for all.”

With nearly two decades of experience in law enforcement at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Captain Chevalier has served in various roles including custody operations, court operations, patrol, and investigations. He began his career patrolling San Clemente, gaining an understanding of the city's specific public safety needs. He later joined the South Gang Enforcement Team where he worked on gang suppression through strategic enforcement and community engagement.

In 2017, he was promoted to investigator within the Special Investigations Bureau – Special Operations Unit, leading complex investigations alongside local, state, and federal agencies. His leadership roles continued as a sergeant across multiple assignments such as Custody Operations and Yorba Linda Police Services. He also managed technology-based investigations in the Special Investigations Bureau.

Most recently, Captain Chevalier was Watch Commander at the James Musick Facility where he oversaw daily operations and managed facility logistics. His extensive experience combined with his leadership skills positions him well to lead San Clemente Police Services.

Captain Chevalier holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Phoenix. He has acquired several law enforcement certifications including those in homicide and narcotics investigations.