Atascadero police chief urges residents to apply, highlights department's mission to "do good"

Dan Suttles, chief of the Atascadero Police Department, opened the remarks by saying the agency has "one simple core mission, and that is to do good." He described the department's approach as the "3 P's": professionalism, partnerships and personal growth, and said those principles guide recruitment and daily work.

Suttles told listeners the department benefits from "high community support" and backing from the City Council, and he described the agency as progressive with "highly qualified individuals" on staff. "Together, these things allow us to be a progressive police department," he said.

Other staff members who spoke described career pathways and the department's culture. One staff member said they lateraled into Atascadero in 2014 looking for more experience and opportunities and found a department that supported personal and professional growth. Another described the workplace as a welcoming "brotherhood," pointing to conduct, dress and partnerships with local businesses and residents as evidence of the department's values.

Speakers repeatedly urged residents to consider applying. Suttles closed by directly inviting people to "put your application in with the Atascadero Police Department," framing recruitment as a way to join the department's mission to serve the community.

The remarks focused on department culture and recruitment; no policy actions, votes or formal proposals were recorded in the transcript.