Joseph, who grew up in Los Angeles, started as an officer at SJPD in 1994 after two years as an officer in San Mateo and has served in a variety of leadership roles, according to the city.
“I have seen Paul Joseph stand by injured officers during their worst moments, stand firm when our community is threatened and stand up to take responsibility for our department — in good times and bad,” San José Mayor Matt Mahan said. “He is exactly the person we need to help rebuild our ranks, test innovative new approaches and ensure the people of San José are safe and protected.”
The union representing San José police officers praised Joseph’s appointment as a “wise decision.”
“Chief Joseph brings a wealth of experience, innovative ideas, and a collaborative nature to a department he knows inside and out,” the San José Police Officers’ Association said in a statement. “Chief Joseph will need all of those traits as we get to work keeping the residents of San Jose safe by increasing staffing, improving morale, and strengthening community policing.”
In San José, Joseph served as an officer on patrol, a detective in the robbery unit, as well as on the narcotics enforcement team and the mobile emergency response group and equipment, known as the MERGE Unit.
He was promoted to sergeant in August 2006, where he worked in patrol and the field training program. He was promoted to lieutenant in January 2016, first in patrol and then later serving as the commander of the robbery unit and homicide unit.
He served as a captain over the western division beginning in February 2020 and was elevated to assistant chief by Mata in 2021.
Joseph holds a law degree from UC Hastings College of Law and a bachelor’s degree in political science from California State University Northridge, according to the city.
The recruitment and selection process included a $59,000 contract with Public Sector Search & Consulting Inc. to help the city advertise the position and find candidates.
Sixteen candidates applied for the job, including four finalists who were interviewed by panels made up of city officials, government agency partners and community leaders, city spokesperson Carolina Camarena said in an email.
To help inform which candidates advanced, the administration conducted outreach through a citywide online anonymous survey, six community meetings, key stakeholder focus groups and one-on-one sessions and an anonymous online survey of police department employees. It also met with Mahan and council members.
“Partnership with the community is the most essential element to policing,” Joseph said. “I look forward to collaborating with our diverse community to create safer neighborhoods for everyone in San José.”
