Overview: San Bernardino City Unified School District has appointed John Gutierrez as its new police chief. Gutierrez, who previously led the Cal State San Bernardino police department, is a San Bernardino native and was chosen after a rigorous search process. He pledged to build on the student-first philosophy of his predecessor and promised that safety under his watch would be more than a goal. Gutierrez also tied his vision directly to the district’s broader academic goals, saying a safe campus is the foundation on which student achievement is built.
Aryana Noroozi
San Bernardino City Unified School District has a new police chief, and he’s coming home.
Last week San Bernardino City Unified School District swore in new police chief John Gutierrez in a ceremony that drew local elected officials, law enforcement leaders and community members. They gathered to mark what district leaders called a “pivotal moment” for school safety.
Superintendent Mauricio Arellano said the district asked the community what it wanted in a new chief before launching its search—someone who knew San Bernardino.
“Through this process – and it was a rigorous process – we were able to find our needle in the haystack,” Arellano said.
Gutierrez is rooted in the community he’ll now serve. He previously led the Cal State San Bernardino police department and grew up in the same Los Angeles neighborhood as his predecessor, retired Chief Joseph Paulino, who administered the oath of office.
Paulino, who retired in December, was credited by multiple speakers for transforming the department around a student-first philosophy—one Gutierrez pledged to build on.
San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson, who was also present when Gutierrez was sworn in, praised his leadership style.
“What I’ve been impressed about by the chief is his servant heart leadership, and that rings through in everything that he does,” said Anderson.
Sheriff Shannon Discus echoed that sentiment, calling Gutierrez a strong listener, communicator and, in his words, a “give a shizzle leader” who genuinely cares about the people around him.
In his remarks, Gutierrez framed his role as something larger than law enforcement.
“Our calling is greater than enforcement – it is leadership,” Gutierrez said. “We will serve not only as protectors of our campuses, but as leaders within the region.”
He promised that safety under his watch, would be more than a goal.
“Safety is not just a priority – it’s a promise,” he said. “When students feel safe, they can focus. When staff feel supported, they can inspire. When families trust us, partnerships thrive.”
Gutierrez also tied his vision directly to the district’s broader academic goals, saying a safe campus is the foundation on which student achievement is built.
The ceremony included proclamations from the offices of Congressman Pete Aguilar and Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes, as well as city and county representatives. It was held ahead of a regular Board of Education meeting and served as a preview for the upcoming ribbon-cutting of the new James C. Ramos Public Safety Building.
Gutierrez closed his remarks with a charge to the department and community alike: “Let us move forward united, committed and ready to shine.”
