This past week, Mayor Sylvester Turner selected Martha Montalvo to serve as the City’s interim chief of police. Chief Montalvo will take the position being vacated by Charles McClelland, who is retiring effective February 26, 2016.
Chief Montalvo has 35 years of service with HPD, and most recently served as McClelland’s chief of staff, with direct supervision over 128 officers and 60 civilians in five divisions at HPD.
“Chief Montalvo has a wealth of experience that will serve the department and the citizens of Houston well,” said Mayor Turner. “I look forward to working with her on solutions that will generate the cost savings we need without impacting the police protection our residents need.”
Chief Montalvo started as a beat cop in May of 1980 and began her ascent in HPD through the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain and assistant chief of police. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston-Downtown and a Master of Science degree from Sam Houston State University.
Chief Montalvo will serve until Mayor Turner makes a decision on the permanent replacement for Chief McClelland. She is the first Hispanic and the second female to hold the position of chief of police.