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John Gutierrez sworn in as San Bernardino City Unified school police chief; leaders pledge partnership and community focus
Summary
John Gutierrez took the oath as school police chief at a May 5 ceremony hosted by San Bernardino City Unified School District, where elected officials and law‑enforcement leaders praised his community ties and vowed continued collaboration to keep campuses safe.
John Gutierrez was sworn in as chief of the San Bernardino City Unified School District police department on May 5 at a special reception attended by district leaders, county officials and local law‑enforcement partners.
The district’s superintendent, Mauricio Ariano, said the board conducted a thorough search and selected a candidate who ‘‘knew our community, someone who knew our students, someone who had relationships with all of our partners.’’ Ariano introduced Gutierrez as the district’s new police chief and thanked the outgoing chief, Joseph Pino, for laying a foundation of restorative, student‑centered policing.
District Board Member Michael Santos told the crowd the board expected the chief to lead ‘‘with integrity, care, and a commitment to building positive relationships across our schools and community.’’
San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson and Sheriff Shannon Dykus also endorsed Gutierrez at the event, describing him as a leader with ‘‘a servant’s heart’’ and praise for his listening and communication skills. ‘‘When you look for stability, look to a deputy sheriff,’’ Dykus said, adding that the sheriff’s office and the DA’s office will be partners with the district.
Gutierrez, joined by family and former colleagues, recited the oath of office and described his approach to school policing as centered on transparency, collaboration and mentorship. "As chief of police, I believe our calling is greater than enforcement. It is leadership," he said, adding that officers should be ‘‘mentors, role models, guardians, and leaders’’ who lift up students.
Superintendent Ariano said staff would work to update site signage and the existing mural so the new chief’s swearing‑in is reflected in district facilities. No policy changes were proposed at the ceremony; the event was ceremonial and celebratory, and the district will continue its community and law‑enforcement coordination as Gutierrez begins his tenure.
The board then continued into its regular meeting agenda, which included multiple proclamations, public comments and administrative reports later in the evening.
