This Wednesday, November 4th, 2026 Oxnard new chief of Police Rocky Marquez took the oath during a well-attended ceremony at the Oxnard City Council chambers.
City Manager Alexander Nguyen appointed Chief Rocky Marquez as the department’s 23rd Police Chief.
“I fill so honored to be here today with my family from home, my family from the police department and family from the City of Oxnard. I was selected to do a job and I am ready and able to do it,” said Marquez. “Our police department is working hard to keep our city safe, so our kids can play in the park, can go to the store, can enjoy our city, so we can drive around our community having a sense of security because our police officers are making sure that we are safe, and I will lead these officers to the best of my knowledge and ability,” said Marquez.
Born and raised in Oxnard and Port Hueneme, Marquez is a proud graduate of Hueneme High School. He began his career with the Oxnard Police Department in 2002. As a 24-year veteran of the department, he has worked his way up through the ranks, beginning as a Patrol Officer before becoming a Sergeant. Marquez was promoted to Commander in 2022, where he oversaw investigative services, and was then promoted to Assistant Police Chief in 2025, where he leads the Investigative and Administrative Services Bureaus.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve as Oxnard’s next Police Chief and to continue serving the community that raised me and where I have spent my entire law enforcement career,” said Marquez. “I look forward to building upon this department’s strong foundation, and I am incredibly proud to serve alongside our dedicated officers and professional staff who work tirelessly each day to keep our community safe. Together we will honor the trust placed in us and make Oxnard proud.”
In recent years, Oxnard has experienced significant reductions in crime. In 2025, reported violent crime decreased nearly 10% compared to 2023, while property crime fell 13.4% compared to 2024.
As Police Chief, Marquez will lead a department of 371 employees, which includes 242 sworn officer positions and 129 full-time professional staff positions.