Sausalito police chief retires from department

Sausalito’s police chief retired this month after decades of work at several agencies in Marin County.

John Rohrbacher, who joined the department as a captain in 2009, stepped down on Sunday after more than seven years leading the force, the city said. Rohrbacher replaced Scott Paulin, an interim chief hired after the departure of Jennifer Tejada, who left for the Emeryville Police Department.

Rohrbacher’s annual base salary was $215,883, according to city staff. The Sausalito Police Department has about two dozen employees and annual budget of about $5 million.

Previously, Rohrbacher worked for the San Rafael Police Department for more than 25 years, including 15 months as chief. He left in 2006. He also worked as an investigator with the Marin County District Attorney’s Office.

In Sausalito, he is credited with implementing new technology such as street cameras that scan license plates and developing plans for managing bicyclist tourism and the anchorage. He also oversaw the city’s camp for homeless people that was active from January 2021 to August 2022.

Rohrbacher receives an annual pension of $163,608 from the Marin County Employees’ Retirement Association for his work at the San Rafael Police Department. He will also receive a pension for his time with the district attorney’s office.

Sausalito employees are eligible for pensions through the California Public Employees’ Retirement System. Information on Rohrbacher’s CalPERS benefits was not immediately available.

“Chief Rohrbacher was always a strong and steady leader of an excellent police force,” Mayor Ian Sobieski said. “He ends his long and accomplished career in Sausalito on an up note. Sausalito’s police department is respected and appreciated by the community.”

Sobieski said a new bargaining agreement with the police department in September, which was approved by the City Council, brought stability and improved morale for the police force. He said the agreement came at a time when other local departments are losing officers.

City Manager Chris Zapata said the process of selecting Rohrbacher’s successor will be one of the most important decisions in his career.

“My experience with Chief Rohrbacher was exemplary and I believe his legacy of service and professionalism will benefit the community and police department for years to come,” he said.

Zapata said more information about the appointment of a new chief will be presented to the City Council, police department and Sausalito Police Officers Association next month.

Rohrbacher has been on medical leave since June 2022. Capt. Stacie Gregory has been the acting police chief.