As a Hayward native, this City holds a very special place in my heart and I am truly blessed to be able to serve a community that, in many ways, raised me. The Hayward community is diverse, culturally rich, and engaged on a variety of issues that affect and influence public safety. As such, this community deserves a professional, culturally competent, transparent, and engaged police department. Through the development of trust, partnerships, and in cooperation with each other, we can work to ensure that all members of our community feel safe, secure, and can thrive.

Public safety work is not easy. Our staff continually face significant public safety challenges amidst ever-changing community expectations. Our staff must be supported, not only by their Chief, but by City leadership and the community. They must also be accountable for the oath they took upon assuming their respective positions, to each other, to this profession, and, most importantly, to this community.

As your Chief, it is my commitment to continue moving the Hayward Police Department forward through listening, strengthening relationships, implementing problem-solving strategies, and ensuring we are providing high levels of customer service. We will strive to be open, effective communicators, and to be responsive and accountable to those we serve. We will work hand in hand with our community to ensure all life is valued and people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the circumstances. I am proud to be a member of this community and a member of the Hayward Police Department. I look forward to the opportunity to lead the men and women of one of the finest police departments in the State of California, and arguably the nation. Thank you for visiting our website and please let us know how we can better serve you!

Sincerely, 

Bryan Matthews, Chief of Police