The Carlsbad Police Department will see a change of leadership in the next couple of months as Chief Mickey Williams prepares to retire, the city announced Thursday, Feb. 15.
Williams, who has served as chief since 2021 and has been with the city for nearly 30 years, is set to be succeeded by Assistant Police Chief Christie Calderwood in April.
“Chief Williams has led the Carlsbad Police Department into the era of modern law enforcement,” Carlsbad City Manager Scott Chadwick said in a city news release. “By prioritizing trust, transparency and the responsible use of technology, Chief Williams has created a culture in the department focused on continuous improvement and an exceptional level of service.”
In their announcement, city officials lauded Williams’ focus on the use of technology in law enforcement and community engagement, including the department’s alignment with emerging national standards.
Calderwood, a longtime Carlsbad resident who graduated from La Costa Canyon High School and has been with the Police Department for 17 years, was named assistant chief two years ago and currently serves as president of the California Peace Officers’ Association.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in literature and writing from California State University San Marcos and a Master of Science degree in administration with an emphasis in leadership from Central Michigan University, in addition to several law enforcement certifications including a law enforcement command certificate from the University of San Diego.
“These include graduating from the prestigious Sherman Block Leadership Institute and completing the rigorous 14-month Command College program offered by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training,” the city stated in its news release. “In 2019, Assistant Chief Calderwood became one of the less than 1% of all law enforcement personnel in the nation to be selected to participate in the FBI National Academy.”
Calderwood is scheduled to be sworn in at the April 9 City Council meeting and will assume duties at midnight April 15, according to the city’s announcement.
“I am deeply honored to take on this new role, serving as police chief in the community where I grew up and where I first found my calling to serve,” Calderwood said in the city’s news release. “I am looking forward to working with the community in this new capacity and leading the outstanding group of professionals that make up the Carlsbad Police Department.”
Calderwood is married to Carlsbad Fire Chief Michael Calderwood, and they have two children, according to the city. She received the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce’s 40 Under 40 Emerging Leaders Award in 2021.
