HAPCOA National President Selected as Marina Police Department Chief of Police

The City of Marina has selected Tina M. Nieto as the City of Marina’s new Chief of Police. The incoming Police Chief will be responsible for continuing the community’s high level of policing services, growing successful public safety outreach programs, and at the same time, providing an important perspective on the City’s management team.

Chief Nieto joins the City of Marina after serving with the Los Angeles Police Department for 28 years. A native of Southern California, Chief Nieto joined the LAPD in 1989 and served most recently as the Commanding Officer for the West Los Angeles Area. She was responsible for overseeing approximately 260 sworn and civilian employees. While with Los Angeles, Chief Nieto has had numerous specialized assignments in patrol, administration and investigations. When notified of the appointment, Chief Nieto stated she was humbled and excited to join a great team of talented professionals here in Marina.

Chief Nieto added, “It has been a long-term goal to serve as Police Chief in a community like Marina, one that is committed to its Police Department and continued excellence in community partnerships. I am blessed for this opportunity of a lifetime and look forward to both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Chief Nieto also has an extensive teaching background in leadership. She was on the original design team for the West Point Leadership Program, has taught diversity at the LAPD Academy, has been a guest speaker at Women’s Leadership Symposiums, and has facilitated at LAPD’s Supervisory School. Chief Nieto spent ten years as a facilitator for POST’s Supervisory Leadership Institute. Chief Nieto has a Masters Degree in Leadership and Management from the University of La Verne and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton. She is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute of Policing through PERF and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). Chief Nieto has also been the recipient of numerous awards both locally, nationally, and internationally for her work with the diverse communities and the programs that under her leadership flourished. Chief Nieto presently serves as the National President of the Hispanic American Police Officers Association (HAPCOA).

Chief Nieto’s hobbies include photography and hiking. She started work as Chief of Police for the City of Marina on September 11, 2017.