Chief Jon Lewis (Ret.) was the 10th Chief of Police in the Newport Beach Police Department’s history, assuming office on March 22, 2016 after successfully working his way through the ranks. He graduated with honors from California State University, Long Beach, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Speech Communication and also holds a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Chapman University. He is a graduate of several advanced law enforcement training courses including the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute as well as the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training Command College, where he was selected as class speaker. He has authored two university-level text books in criminal justice and was selected as adjunct faculty at Golden West College’s Criminal Justice Training Center and California State University, Long Beach Center for Justice Research and Training.
During his tenure as Chief of Police, the Newport Beach Police Department has achieved reduction in crime to historic lows through effective, data-driven community policing strategies as well as excellence in emergency response and 911 call answer times. The Department has developed innovative wellness initiatives in collaboration with national experts, fostering morale, productivity and unparalleled police service. Chief Lewis holds executive leadership positions at the local, county and state levels including: Newport Beach and Company Executive Board, Orange County Chiefs’ and Sheriff’s Association Past President, Orange County Regional Narcotic Suppression Program Executive Board (RNSP), Orange County Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory Local Executive Board (OCRCFL) and the California Police Chiefs Association Board of Directors.
He and his wife, Darcy, have two children and reside in Orange County.