SLO County city swears in familiar face as new chief of police. ‘The ideal fit to lead us’

Grover Beach welcomed its new chief of police Monday at a swearing-in ceremony in Ramona Garden Park — and he’s a familiar face in the community.

Grover Beach Police Department Cmdr. Jim Munro was sworn in by members of the City Council as the department’s new chief, replacing longtime Chief John Peters.

Peters, who joined the Grover Beach Police Department in 2006 before rising to the position of chief in 2015, announced his retirement in March and is expected to conclude his service to the city on July 1.

“On behalf of the council, I want to express our deepest thanks to Chief Peters for his 18 years of exemplary service to the city,” Grover Beach Mayor Karen Bright said during the ceremony. “Chief Peters’ contributions have been invaluable, and I thank him for all he’s done to lead our police department.”

Bright also said she was “excited to welcome Chief Munro into this new role.”

“As a council, we are confident that his dedication and experience make him the ideal fit to lead us into the future,” she said.

Prior to his promotion, Munro started his law enforcement career with the Clovis Police Department before joining the Grover Beach Police Department in 2021, according to the city’s website.

According to the city’s news release, Munro distinguished himself while serving with the Clovis Police Department by implementing advanced law enforcement technology and robust community engagement initiatives — an approach he hopes to implement in Grover Beach.

“I am honored to serve this community as police chief and pledge to lead the dedicated men and women of the Grover Beach Police Department with integrity, dedication and a commitment to excellence,” Munro said. “I want to congratulate Chief Peters on a distinguished career and thank him for all his support and leadership over the years.”