Morro Bay, CA – City Manager Scott Collins has appointed Joseph “Jody” Cox as Police Chief for the Morro Bay Police Department. Chief Cox will assume leadership of the department of 17 sworn police officers, four non-sworn staff and a large cadre of dedicated police volunteers, on November 3, 2018. He was appointed to the Chief position following an interview process involving Morro Bay community members and chiefs of police from around the SLO County area.
In recommending Jody Cox for the role of Police Chief, Morro Bay resident Carole Truesdale offered that he is, “an established law enforcement leader and mentor to his staff, who will work hard to keep the Morro Bay community safe.”
Chief Cox began his career in law enforcement in 1988, with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department. He progressed through the ranks of the Tulare County Sheriff and City of Tulare Police Departments, serving in a number of capacities, including patrol, SWAT, investigations and special unit work.
Chief Cox was hired by the City of Morro Bay in 2012 as a Police Sergeant, promoted to Commander in 2016, and has served as acting Police Chief on two separate occasions, most recently since August 2018. With Morro Bay, Chief Cox has revamped officer training and developed new policies and procedures for the department while launching several community-oriented police initiatives.
“Jody is well-prepared to take the reins of the Police Department, with over 30 years of law enforcement experience,” said City Manager, Scott Collins. “He has shown that he is a great leader of his staff and I am excited about the energy and ideas he will bring to the job to make the department even stronger.”
Chief Cox added, “I am very honored and humbled by the overwhelming support I have received from my department, the Morro Bay City Council and staff, and this amazing community. I look forward to continuing to build upon the strong foundation of exemplary police service that we have instilled over the past few years by partnering with our community. Working together we will continue to make a difference for all those that live, work and visit our beautiful city.”