Kenneth W. Small was appointed Chief of the Huntington Beach Police Department on October 12, 2002. He began his professional career with the Los Angeles Police Department in 1971. He worked North Hollywood, Foothill and Central areas until 1979 when he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. As a Sergeant he served in the Wilshire Area and was assigned to the Internal Affairs Division. He also worked on the 1984 Olympic Games Planning Task Force. In 1985 Chief Small attained the rank of Lieutenant. His assignments included the Organized Crime Intelligence Division, Personnel and Training Bureau, and the Office of Special Services. In 1991, he was promoted to the rank of Captain. Between 1991 and 1996, he served as the Commanding Officer in the following assignments; Devonshire Area, Van Nuys Area, Planning and Research Division, Southeast Area and Training.
In September 1996, Chief Small was appointed Chief of Police of the Daytona Beach Police Department, remaining there until his selection as the Chief of Huntington Beach. At Daytona Beach, Chief Small was responsible for developing and implementing a community based and community oriented police plan, upgrading policies and procedures including new computer and radio systems. He improved department procedures for hosting major special events that attracted in excess of 8 million visitors in the city each year. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Florida Police Chiefs Association.
Chief Small obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the California State University, Northridge. He received a Master of Science Degree in Management from Cal Poly, Pomona. He is also a graduate of the California Law Enforcement Command College and the Leadership Southern California Program hosted by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Southern California Association of Government.
Chief Small is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He is currently the Vice President of the Orange County Chiefs and Sheriffs Association. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Huntington Valley and the Orange County Victim’s Assistance Governing Board. Chief Small is a member of the Advisory Committee for the Golden West College Criminal Justice Training Center, and he is a member of the California League of Cities Environmental Quality Committee.
Chief Small lives in Huntington Beach with his wife Susan. They have three adult children, two sons and a daughter, and six grandchildren. Chief Small and Susan have adopted three of their grandchildren ages 12, 10 and 3.