Interim Police Chief James Hunt (right) welcomes back Robert Masterson as the King City Police Department’s interim police captain. (Courtesy of City of King)

KING CITY — Former King City Police Chief Robert “Bob” Masterson is returning to the city, but this time as interim police captain.

King City Police Department announced Masterson’s appointment Feb. 10. 

“I am pleased that Bob agreed to return to King City as the interim captain,” said Interim Police Chief James Hunt. “He and I have worked together for several years, and I have always admired his integrity, ethics and commitment to building strong police and community relations. I feel fortunate to work with a leader of his caliber as we move this department into the future.”

Hunt had been the police department’s captain before taking on the chief position that was vacated by Keith Boyd, who left at the end of December to become undersheriff of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. This created an existing need for someone to serve as captain on an interim basis.

Masterson, who previously served as King City’s chief of police from July 2016 to January 2021, comes to the department with more than 35 years of law enforcement experience.

Under his leadership, KCPD was restructured with largely new staff, established a new organizational culture and policies and implemented the award-winning Comprehensive Plan to End Youth Violence, leading to a significant decrease in crime. 

“We are fortunate to have someone with Interim Capt. Masterson’s experience, expertise and familiarity with the community to step into this important role,” said Mayor Mike LeBarre. “It provides us a highly skilled management team during this interim period, so we can continue moving forward in expanding the quality of our services to the community.”

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Ryan Cronk is the managing editor for King City Rustler and Salinas Valley Tribune, a unified publication of Greenfield News, Soledad Bee and Gonzales Tribune. He covers general news for South Monterey County and the surrounding communities.

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