Sheriff Chris Clark

Sheriff Chris Clark was sworn in as the 27th Sheriff-Coroner of Santa Cruz County in December 2024. He is honored to lead a dedicated team of 360 employees, managing a $140 million budget to serve and protect a community of 130,000 residents, as well as ensuring the safety and well-being of an incarcerated population of approximately 360 individuals.

Sheriff Clark began his career with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office in 2006 and has devoted nearly two decades to public service. Throughout his career, he has served in a wide range of assignments, including Patrol, Investigations, Air Unit, Coroner, and Corrections. Before his appointment, he held the role of Undersheriff, overseeing the daily operations of the Office’s Operations, Corrections, and Administration Bureaus.

Committed to continuous learning and leadership, Sheriff Clark earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento, and a master’s degree in Emergency Services Administration from California State University, Long Beach. He is also a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police and holds an executive credential from the California State Association of Counties.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Sheriff Clark has contributed his time and expertise to several commissions and boards, including the Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the Emergency Medical Care Commission, and the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Board.

Above all, Sheriff Clark values family and community. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and watching sports with his wife, Sarah, and their three sons.

Our Mission:

To keep Santa Cruz County safe through trusted community partnerships, forward-thinking innovation, and a culture of excellence. We accomplish this by empowering our team and working alongside the community to create smart, comprehensive solutions for today’s public safety challenges.

Vision Statement:

At the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, we lead with integrity, innovation, and respect. Rooted in a proud tradition of proactive public safety, we are committed to building trust through ethical service, compassionate engagement, and community collaboration. By embracing forwarding-thinking strategies and strengthening partnerships, we go beyond traditional law enforcement to create a safer, more connected Santa Cruz County for all.