Crime & Safety

San Clemente's New Top Cop Comes Home

Having spent his teen years in San Clemente, and a surfer to boot, Lt. David Moodie says he just landed his dream job.

Originally posted at 12:22 p.m. March 19, 2014. Edited to correct biographical information for Lt. Moodie supplied by the city of San Clemente.

San Clemente has a new top cop, and he’s he knows the town well.

City Manager Pall Gudgeirsson appointed Lt. David W. Moodie to the position of chief of Police Services for San Clemente, effective Friday.

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“After enduring a rigorous selection process, involving an impressive number of candidates, we deemed Lt. Moodie the best fit for San Clemente,” said Gudgeirsson. “Lt. Moodie is very approachable and committed to engaging our residents. I am certain with his outstanding credentials and proven leadership abilities that our residents will be pleased with our selection.”

Having passed his teen years in San Clemente – and a surfer, of course -- Moodie has spent the 25 years dedicated to his law enforcement career. His career began in 1989 as a police officer for the Fountain Valley Police Department, where he was promoted twice, according to a city press release.

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“I am grateful to come home and be entrusted with this dream assignment,” Moodie said. “I have a vested interest in the city’s well-being and will do my best to serve the residents, while working hard to ensure San Clemente’s positive ranking as one of the state’s and nation’s safest communities continues.”

He joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in October 2001 and rose through the ranks, gaining expertise in all areas of law enforcement – from jails, patrol, SWAT and detective work, to special investigations, narcotics and vice, officials said.

Moodie attained his current rank of lieutenant just recently, on March 6, according to a press release. Some of his career highlights include serving as supervisor of the Tactical Training Center, which is responsible for tactical training of all OCSD personnel and portions of mandated training that other police agencies within the county are required to attend.  

He also supervised the entire 40-man SWAT team as the full-time administrative sergeant.

Most recently as the Tactical Apprehension Team sergeant, Moodie supervised a 10-man team that is cross-sworn as U.S. Federal Marshals and have primary responsibility of arresting subjects with outstanding warrants within Orange County.  


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