KING CITY — James Hunt has been appointed as King City’s new police chief, announced City Manager Steve Adams on Tuesday.
Hunt has been serving in the City’s interim chief role since late last December, filling in after the departure of previous Chief of Police Keith Boyd, who left to become undersheriff with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. Prior to that, Hunt was the police captain for the King City Police Department.
“We are very fortunate to have someone with Interim Chief Hunt’s experience, character, leadership skills and expertise to serve as the City’s next police chief,” Adams said. “He is committed to continuing and expanding community outreach efforts, has been closely involved in the implementation of a broad range of new technology over the past couple years under Chief Boyd, and he is well respected by Police staff and everyone in the City organization.”
Hunt’s appointment will take effect May 9, when he will be sworn is as the new permanent chief of police during the King City Council meeting at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 212 S. Vanderhurst Ave. The public is invited to attend in person or via Zoom at bit.ly/3e0zvaR.
“I believe he is uniquely qualified to step into the police chief position and continue the progress underway in improving all aspects of public safety for our community,” Adams added. “I am excited for this opportunity and look forward to working with him.”
Hunt has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice management from Union Institute and University and a master’s degree in law enforcement and public safety leadership from the University of San Diego.
He has more than 31 years of experience in law enforcement, including 26-1/2 years in various assignments with the San Jose Police Department, three-and-a-half years with the Greenfield Police Department as captain and acting chief of police, and just over one year as the captain with the King City Police Department.
“I am honored to be selected as the next Chief of Police for the King City Police Department,” Hunt said. “I want to thank City Manager Adams and Council for believing in me and trusting me with this great responsibility. I would also like to thank former Chief of Police Keith Boyd for giving me the opportunity to work in such a great environment. I do not take this responsibility lightly and will do my best to move the department forward and serve the community with honor and integrity.”
