WATSONVILLE — Brian Shab, San Jose’s assistant chief of police, is ready for his next assignment over the hill. He has been promoted to Watsonville’s police chief and is expected to begin in his new position in early 2026.
The city of Watsonville announced Shab’s promotion Tuesday. He will be succeeding Jorge Zamora who retired at the end of August after 34 years with the department and three as chief.
“Chief Shab brings extensive experience in law enforcement and is a proven leader who has dedicated his career to public service,” City Manager Tamara Vides said in a statement. “Chief Shab takes great pride in having built a reputation for integrity, fairness, transparency, and earned trust by putting people first; both within the organization and in the communities he serves.”
A native of East San Jose where he graduated from Independence High School, Shab received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice management from the Union Institute and University, and a master of science in law enforcement and public safety leadership from the University of San Diego. He is also a graduate of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training‘s Command College Program.
Prior to joining law enforcement, Shab spent eight years in the U.S. Army Reserve and California National Guard, most of which was with the 670th Military Police Co., where he completed his tour as sergeant/team leader, according to his LinkedIn profile. In 1999, he joined the San Jose Police Department as an officer largely assigned to patrol duty and the Metro, Field Training and Mobile Emergency Response Group and Equipment units, the latter being the department’s equivalent of a SWAT team.
After 10 years as an officer, Shab was promoted to sergeant in 2009. He held this position for eight years, then climbed the ranks to lieutenant, patrol captain for the department’s Western Division, deputy chief for the Bureau of Field Operations, deputy chief executive officer and finally assistant chief of police, which he was promoted to in October 2024.
Among the awards Shab received during his tenure in San Jose were a Medal of Valor, Hazardous Duty Award, Outstanding Police Duty Award and multiple Special Merit Awards.
“I am truly honored, humbled, and excited to have been selected to serve as the next Chief of Police for the City of Watsonville,” he said in a statement. “As a Santa Cruz County resident, Watsonville holds a special place in my heart. It is a beautifully diverse, hard-working, and family-oriented community. I will lead with accountability, compassion, and respect, and continue strengthening the community trust and relationships that are already a hallmark of the Watsonville Police.”
David Rodriguez, Watsonville’s assistant police chief, has served as interim chief since Zamora’s retirement. Shab’s start date will be dependent on completion of a background check.