New Top Cop in Cupertino Soon as Capt. Neusel is Promoted to Assistant Sheriff

Cupertino will soon have a new law enforcement commander, now that it’s current chief, Capt. Carl Neusel, is being promoted to assistant sheriff, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s office confirmed Friday.

City Manager David Knapp will join the city managers of Los Altos Hills and Saratoga next week to interview candidates from within the Sheriff’s department to replace Neusel, according to public information officer Sgt. Jose Cardoza.

The three cities contract with the county for police services, making up the West Valley Patrol Division that Neusel led for less than 12 months.

Neusel replaces retiring Assistant Sheriff Edward Perry; his promotion is expected to take effect Monday, Jan. 9. Cardoza said it could be only a matter of weeks to find the new chief; Lt. Don Morrissey will serve in the interim.

In a Neusel, who grew up in Cupertino and surrounding communities, called Sheriff Laurie Smith, "the greatest boss in the world.” In addition to Smith, he reported to Perry and the city managers of the three contracting cities.

“My position now as captain is to provide the best law enforcement for the best price,” he said then. With city budgets in a serious pinch, Neusel said the sheriff’s office had been able to make cuts and still provide a high level of service.