Brandon Sanchez, a 26-year law enforcement veteran who most recently served as a deputy chief for the San Jose Police Department, has been appointed the City of Gilroy’s new police chief.
The appointment of Sanchez follows a lengthy recruitment and selection process that started with the retirement of former Chief Pedro Espinosa in May 2025.
Sanchez will begin his new post in Gilroy on June 1, says an announcement from the City of Gilroy.
Sanchez is a second generation police officer with more than 26 years experience in command-level leadership, patrol, investigations, administration, internal affairs, criminal intelligence and homeland security training, city staff said.
His most recent assignment was Deputy Chief of Field Operations for the San Jose Police Department. “He has a proven record of reducing crime through community collaboration and problem-oriented policing, and his leadership has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation, accountability and community-focused public strategy,” says the City of Gilroy’s announcement.
Sanchez and his wife have lived in Gilroy for three years and are raising their family in the local community. Two of their three daughters are college students, and their youngest attends a Gilroy middle school, according to city staff.
City officials added the new police chief enjoys basketball, golf, traveling and hiking in his spare time.
“I am honored to serve the place I call home, the City of Gilroy, as Police Chief, and grateful for the trust placed in me,” Sanchez said. “I’m excited to build on the strong foundation that already exists within the Gilroy Police Department and am deeply committed to supporting our dedicated officers, fostering community partnerships and continuing to advance thoughtful, innovative policing strategies that meet the needs of our growing community.”
The city selected Sanchez following an extensive search effort that drew candidates from both internal and external pools. The process included multiple panel interviews with members of the community, business leaders, Gilroy Unified School District leadership, labor representatives and neighboring city managers and police chiefs.
“Brandon’s track record shows both outstanding results and a deep respect for the communities he serves,” Mayor Greg Bozzo said. “I believe his accomplishments reflect a leader who combines effective strategies with strong partnerships and Gilroy is fortunate to welcome someone who not only brings impressive experience but also calls this community home.”
Since Espinosa’s retirement, a number of interim and acting police chiefs have stepped in on a temporary basis. Most recently, former Gilroy Police Chief Scot Smithee served as the city’s interim chief.
