Stevenson named new police chief for South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe has selected a long-time local and South Tahoe High graduate to head its police department.

The selection of David Stevenson as police chief was announced Monday.

Stevenson, who moved to South Lake Tahoe with his family when he was five-years-old, has been with the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) since 1995. He joined the department after graduation from Sacramento State with a degree in Criminal Justice. He also graduated from the criminal justice program at the FBI Academy at Quantico. His father was also a police officer with SLTPD and had been sworn in on February 14, 1977.

“This department has truly been my life’s work,” said Stevenson. “The officers who work in our department are the best of the best and I am proud to continue on the legacy of trust, accountability, and public safety we’ve had for so many years.”

Former Police Chief Brian Uhler retired in March, and since then Stevenson and Lt. Shannon Laney have been splitting the duties as interim chief. Laney also applied for the job of chief along with 59 other candidates. The lengthy process of selecting a chief brought five finalists to the public on July 23. On that day a community panel interviewed each candidate, and a professional technical panel conducted interviews, and the day wrapped up with a public town hall meeting with questions submitted by residents.

“This is a time for stability inside of a department that has been doing so much good for so long,” said City Manager Joe Irvin, “David doesn’t just understand this department, he knows South Lake Tahoe, and I am confident he will bring fresh ideas and continue to lead the department in the right direction.”

Stevenson already has ideas about the direction he wants to take the department.

“We have a responsibility to collaborate with regional partners and local community-based organizations to help the homeless, and people facing addiction and mental illness in our community,” said Stevenson. “We also have a responsibility to make sure our officers are accountable to providing high quality, unbiased service to our diverse population.”

“It was extremely important we heard our communities voice during the process,” said Irvin, “The police chief isn’t just the chief for some, the chief is the chief for every resident and visitor in South Lake Tahoe.”

Stevenson will be sworn in as police chief next Monday, August 3rd at 9:00 AM.