DA Rosen picks SJPD top cop as investigations bureau chief

For release on January 9, 2024

CONTACT:
Sean Webby
Public Communications Officer  
(408) 209-8064

DA Rosen picks SJPD top cop as investigations bureau chief

Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen has chosen San Jose Police Chief Anthony Mata to command the DA’s Bureau of Investigation.

Although many chiefs have been veteran command law enforcement officers, it is the first time in county history that San Jose’s top cop has taken the helm of the DA’s investigative unit of sworn officers. The 90-plus member team investigates everything from insurance fraud to cold case murders.

Chief Mata, who has led the county’s largest department since 2021, replaces Moises Reyes, who retired in December after three years as bureau chief. Melisa Meyer, who has been with the DA’s Office for 25 years as an investigator and then as lieutenant, is serving as interim chief. Chief Mata will begin his career at this Office on April 1, 2024.

DA Rosen said that he was thrilled that Chief Mata would bring a deep local experience and elite leadership skills to the largest county prosecutor’s office in Northern California.

“Chief Mata and I both began serving the People of this county three decades ago. We share a vision of a criminal justice system that is safe and fair for all. I could not be more pleased that our public safety team is attracting leaders of Chief Mata’s national stature.”

Chief Mata said that he was excited to move from one top law enforcement organization to another:

“This is my community and my honor to continue to serve it with a mission to protect
public safety.”

Chief Mata joined the San Jose Police Department in March of 1996. He has a master’s degree in public administration from San Jose State University and a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Chief Mata is also a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum's (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police.

Chief Mata served in all ranks of the SJPD – including as a homicide detective, patrol officer and deputy chief.                                                              

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