David Nisleit served as the 35th Chief of Police for the City of San Diego from March 2, 2018 until his retirement on June 7, 2024. During his tenure he oversaw the eighth largest police department in the nation; shepherding more than 2,000 personnel through a historic period marked by a global pandemic and a new era of policing-centered reforms.

After 36 years of service with the San Diego Police Department, he left the department with extensive patrol and investigative experience culminating in a career that included Assistant Chief of Patrol Operations, Watch Commanders Office, Homeless Outreach Team, Special Operations, Investigations II (Robbery, Gangs, and Homicide), field lieutenant, SWAT, Special Events, Narcotic Team 10, Sex Crimes, and Internal Affairs. David was also a member of the San Diego County Police Chiefs’ and Sheriff’s Association, Major Cities Chief’s Association, Police Executive Research Forum, IACP, STAR/PAL, SANDAG, and the SWAT Association. He received numerous awards and citations throughout his career which also included a Congressional Recognition in 2008, and professorships at the University of San Diego and Alliant University.

Chief Nisleit was a critical figure in Community Wraparound’s history. He exercised his leadership to build trust between law enforcement and former gang members, and pursued this unique and seemingly contradictory alliance to dismantle stereotypes, and prevent community-based violence. It’s our pleasure to have him on our Board of Directors where he’ll lend his insight, experience, and professional acumen to continue this mission, and ensure our agency’s efforts to bring peace, unity, and compassion to our communities.