Thomas Sims is a 26-year veteran of law enforcement who has a history of being an effective and dedicated public safety leader. A Bay Area native, he began his career in 1990 with the San Jose Police Department. While at the San Jose Police Department, he worked a variety of assignments including; Patrol, Special Operations, Investigations, Administration, Training and Intelligence.

He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from San Jose State University and graduated from the Police Executive Research Forum’s (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police in Boston, MA. He is a current member of PERF and is the Vice-Chair for the California Peace Officers Association- Region II.

In January 2017, he became the Assistant Chief of the Watsonville Police Department where he oversees the day-to-day operations of the Department. 

Sims was appointed to Interim Chief of Police following Chief David Honda’s retirement in July of 2021.