City of Santa Clarita Announces Justin Diez as New Chief of Police

Captain Justin Diez has been selected as the new Captain for the Santa Clarita Valley station, bringing nearly two decades of law enforcement experience with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to his new post. Diez spent two years as the second in command at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station as former Captain Robert Lewis’ Operations Lieutenant before being transferred to North Patrol Division.
“Captain Diez is someone who lives in, and has worked in the Santa Clarita Valley,” said City Manager Ken Striplin. “He knows our community, knows our City and knows what it takes to have an impact on crime. We look forward to working together and continuing to drive down crime in Santa Clarita.”
Justin Diez is replacing Sheriff’s Captain Robert Lewis, who was recently promoted to Commander. Lewis served as the Chief of Police for the Santa Clarita Valley Station since 2017.
Captain Diez has a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Cal State Northridge and a Masters of Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio. He began his career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 2002 as a Deputy at the North County Correctional Facility. Since then, he has been stationed at Transit Services, the Community Partnership Bureau, Operation Safe Streets Bureau, Lancaster Station, Internal Affairs Bureau and the Malibu/Lost Hills Station before his assignment in Santa Clarita.
“I look forward to returning to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station and the opportunity to once again protect the community I call home,” said Captain Diez. “I am certain that the knowledge, skills and abilities I have gained throughout my law enforcement career will allow me to continue to drive down crime in our City while ensuring our roads are safe for all who travel on them.”
Captain Diez lives in the Santa Clarita Valley with his wife and children.