Appointment of David Culver as Chief of Police for the City of Arroyo Grande

ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA – City Manager Matthew Downing announced today that he has selected David Culver to serve as the next Chief of Police for the City of Arroyo Grande. Currently a Commander with the Arroyo Grande Police Department, Culver has been serving as the Interim Chief of Police since May 30, 2025. Following a nationwide recruitment, Culver was selected as the top choice from among an impressive group of qualified candidates to serve the Arroyo Grande community and Police Department.

David Culver has served in law enforcement for 17 years, joining the Arroyo Grande Police Department from the Santa Maria Police Department in 2019 as a full-time Police Officer. Since beginning his law enforcement career, he has risen in the ranks and has served as a Field Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant / Watch Commander, SLO Regional SWAT Assistant Tactical Commander, Support Division Commander and Patrol Division Commander. As a Commander for three years, he has been responsible for patrol, detectives, property/evidence, training, administrative services, and a wide variety of other tasks. Commander Culver has also served as a member of the Santa Maria SWAT Team, as a Special Victims Detective, Community Service Officer, and Firearms Instructor. Additionally, Commander Culver has been serving as an Academy Instructor for the Allan Hancock College Law Enforcement Program since 2019. Commander Culver also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from California Coast University.

“We are fortunate to have found our next Chief of Police to continue our tradition of service to the City of Arroyo Grande. David Culver’s qualifications, proven commitment to public service and the City of Arroyo Grande, love for the community, and vision for the Department to cultivate and promote community trust with all residents and visitors, make him the ideal candidate to lead our Police Department into the future. I look forward to working with him to ensure the continued safety and well-being of our community,” says City Manager Matthew Downing.

“I am honored and excited to have been selected to be the next Chief of Police for the City of Arroyo Grande. This is my family’s home, so I am excited for the opportunity to continue serving and giving back to the community,” says Culver.

The City Council is anticipated to confirm David Culver’s appointment as Chief of Police on August 12, 2025, and he will begin his service as Chief of Police on August 15, 2025.

A public swearing-in ceremony will be held at the August 26, 2025, City Council meeting.