IAN PARKINSON'S PLEDGE TO SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY RESIDENTS

"As the largest law enforcement agency in the County, the Sheriff’s Department must provide leadership. That leadership starts at the top. I want to assure residents that we are partners in keeping SLO County safe."

"I intend to develop a solid bond of trust with the community through my proven practice of providing strong leadership, which holds people – including myself – responsible and accountable to the public. We will achieve that trust by developing a transparent department that residents understand belongs to them."

Ian Parkinson is 45 years old. He has served as a law enforcement officer in this county since 1984. Parkinson joined the Morro Bay Police Department in 1984 and transferred to the San Luis Obispo Police Department in 1988. Ian has steadily risen through the ranks and has held the rank of Captain since 2005.

As a San Luis Obispo Police Captain and second in command of the largest police department in the county, Ian conducts day-to-day operations, establishes policy and procedures, prepares the budget, and supervises the investigations division. In addition, he develops and implements technological improvements geared toward improving efficiency and response to the needs of the citizens. Ian is directly responsible for the adoption and installation of the integrated Mobile Data Computer and Mobile Video Camera units in all patrol cars. In recognition of his outstanding service, he was twice awarded the department's “Distinguished Service Award.” In 2004, Parkinson was awarded the City of San Luis Obispo Employee of the Year Award for his outstanding service to the City.

Ian is also an educator.  He has been an associate faculty member at Allan Hancock College since 2001, where he has taught traffic accident investigation.  Currently, Ian teaches leadership development for active duty police officers.  Parkinson believes that education is paramount to the development of strong leadership from within law enforcement ranks.

During his career in law enforcement, Ian has worked virtually every assignment available to a police officer, including major crime investigator, training officer, traffic officer, lead defensive tactics instructor, narcotics investigator (Situational Oriented Response Team), Field Supervisor, and Administrative Sergeant.  He believes that one of his most significant accomplishments has been the development of the first San Luis Obispo County Regional SWAT Team. A longtime SWAT team leader, Ian inherited this project from his predecessor and has helped develop further team leadership and direction. With the support of all of the chiefs of the participating agencies, Ian was able to form a Regional SWAT team that consists of members from the San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, Cal Poly and Morro Bay Police Department’s into one integrated team. This concept and signed letter of agreement is an example of combined services and fiscal responsibility that Ian wants to bring to the Sheriff’s Office. 

Ian has been married to his wife Amy for 22 years.  They have two children, Alec (18) and Cole (15).  His parents are residents of San Luis Obispo County, as are other members of his family.  Ian is active in martial arts, enjoys skiing and water sports, and has coached youth baseball and football.  Parkinson also has served as the Chief of Security for the California Mid-State Fair for the past 18 years.

Captain Ian Parkinson
Almost 26 Years as a Law Enforcement Professional

Law Enforcement Background

  • Joined the Morro Bay Police Department in 1984.
  • Transferred to the San Luis Obispo Police Department in 1988.
  • Served in virtually every role available to a police officer, including:
    • Major Crime Investigator
    • Training Officer
    • Traffic Officer
    • Lead Defensive Tactics Instructor
    • Narcotics Investigator (Situational Oriented Response Team)

Rising through the Ranks

  • Field Supervisor: Supervised all officers and incidents that occur on the street.
  • Administrative Sergeant: Responsible for all department training, hiring of new employees, background investigations and the supervision of the firearms range staff.
  • Lieutenant: Supervised half of the uniformed patrol division, including scheduling, training and supervision of all officers and sergeants assigned to his watch.
  • Captain: Conducts day-to-day operations of the department, establishes policy and procedures, prepares the budget, supervises the investigations division, and develops and implements all technological improvements.

Recognition

  • City of San Luis Obispo Employee of the Year Award for outstanding service to the City (2004).
  • 2 time recipient of the San Luis Obispo Police Department’s "Distinguished Service Award"

Achievements

  • Developed the first San Luis Obispo County Regional SWAT Team, requiring collaboration between San Luis Obispo Police Department and the police departments of San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Cal Poly and Morro Bay.
  • Responsible for the department's adoption and installation of the integrated Mobile Data Computer and Mobile Video Camera units in all patrol cars.
  • Supervised the development of the department's SWAT van and the design of the police badge.
  • Court-recognized expert in the area of accident reconstruction in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Monterey Counties.

Community

  • Ian has served as Chief of Security for the California Mid-State Fair for the past 18 years. He has worked under five different fair managers, developed deep friendships in the North County and recognizes the importance and contributions of the agriculture and livestock industry to our County.

Educator

  • Associate faculty member at Allan Hancock College. Has formally taught Accident investigation and is currently teaching leadership development.