A former LASD deputy has been tapped to lead the Santa Paula Police Department.   Steven McLean will be the 14th person to serve in this capacity.

McLean is said to have beat out approximately 24 other candidates who had thrown their hats into the ring.  The Santa Paula PD began accepting applications last fall.

The new hire was needed, they said, because Police Chief Stephen MacKinnon had submitted his resignation.

The selection process was daunting.  It included close scrutiny of resumes, a verbal interview and then another interview by a police union representative and a panel of area residents.   The city manager said McLean was clearly the best candidate.

Other elected officials have reportedly joined in welcoming him to the ranks.

The new Santa Paula Police Department chief worked for more than 18 years in a managerial and supervisory position with the LASD.   At one point, he had been promoted to the Captain / Unit Commander at the LASD Altadena Station.

There he was charged with overseeing more than 70 employees, including sworn and civilian staff.   He managed an annual budget of $10 million.   During his tenure at this station the city saw a 17 percent dip in violent crime and a 25 percent dip in crimes against property.

He had retired in February of last year but was excited to apply for the position with the Santa Paula Police Department.  Working as chief of police in a small city has always been one of his dreams, he said.

McLean describes himself as being very high-energy. He said he's the kind of person who will provide leadership seven days a week.  He also understands he will need to earn the respect of the officers he is charged with leading.

The new chief said he will place a strong focus on at-risk youth.  Prevention, he said, is among the department's strongest tools.

Sources say the Santa Paula Police Department is proud to have him and that the LASD wishes him well in the new role.