Assistant Chief Shelley Zimmerman

Assistant Chief Shelley Zimmerman was hired by the SDPD in 1982. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio and is a graduate of The Ohio State University, with a degree in Criminal Justice. She is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy #241.

Shelley has worked many of the San Diego Police Department’s patrol commands. Shelley also has extensive investigative experience. Some of Shelley’s prior assignments have included Vice, Narcotics, Internal Affairs, Multi-Cultural Community Relations Office, the Mayor’s Executive Protection Detail, The Narcotics Task Force and the Field Lieutenant position.

Shelley has assisted in the security planning for several large events in San Diego such as the Super Bowl, Republican National Convention, major conferences and the 4th of July Independence Day holiday at the beach, where more than one million local and visitors alike come to enjoy each year.

Shelley has received numerous awards and citations throughout her career which has included the San Diego Press Club Headliner of the year award for her undercover work, the San Diego Business Journal’s Woman Who Mean Business Exemplary Award for her civic involvement with both the business and residential communities and the San Diego Police Foundation Women in Blue Award for her commitment to making San Diego one of the safest large cities in the United States.
Shelley currently oversees the Neighborhood Policing section which includes; the Regional Police Academy, Backgrounds, In-Service and Field Training, Juvenile Administration, The Police Range, Volunteer Services, Information Services, Communications, Crime Analysis, and Human Resources. Shelley is also the Department’s liaison with the Gang Commission, STAR-PAL, The San Diego Police Foundation, Crime Stoppers, Labor Relations, the Hotel/Motel Association and the Chief’s Community Advisory Boards.

Shelley is an avid sports fan and is currently training for her next triathlon.