Police Chief Michael Kent was sworn in today as Chief of the Irvine Police Department (IPD). Chief Kent is a 19-year law enforcement veteran who has served the City of Irvine since 2002. He is the first Irvine Police Chief to grow up in Irvine and rise through the ranks from police explorer to Chief.

 

“It is an absolute honor to become Irvine’s Chief of Police. I am grateful for the men and women of the Irvine Police Department who are dedicated to the safety of the Irvine community, for the City’s leadership who consistently make public safety a priority, and for the residents and businesses in our community who are truly committed to working in partnership with us to keep Irvine safe,” said Chief Kent. “As a resident of this community, I will work tirelessly to serve our residents by maintaining the high level of public safety our community has come to expect, and keep Irvine one of the best places to live, work, and play. I also look forward to new opportunities for our organization to engage and connect with our incredibly diverse community.”

 

Chief Kent joined IPD’s Police Explorer program in 1993, while attending Woodbridge High School. He became a sworn police officer in 2002. His past assignments include Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, SWAT operator, Honor Guard Officer, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Directed Enforcement Team Sergeant, Officer of Professional Development Sergeant, Investigations Lieutenant, SWAT Lieutenant, Patrol Operations Lieutenant, Commander, and Assistant Chief.

 

Chief Kent has received numerous awards for service, including the Medal of Courage, Life Saving Award, Meritorious Service Award, the Colonel Laurence J. Stein Award for outstanding investigative work, and a Community Relations Award. In addition, in 2016, he received the 40 Under 40 award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police for his contributions to law enforcement.

 

Chief Kent is a graduate of the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Point Leadership Program, Golden West College’s Leadership Program, the California Peace Officer Standards and Training Executive Development Course, the Senior Management Institute of Policing Course, and the California Police Chief’s Association Executive Development Course.

 

Chief Kent holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University Fullerton in Communications and a master’s degree from the University of California, Irvine, in Criminology, Law and Society.