San Diego Names New Police Chief : Law enforcement: Assistant Chief Jerry Sanders, a 20-year veteran, will lead the 1,850-officer department if confirmed by the City Council.

Jerry Sanders, 42, a San Diego police officer for 20 years, was selected Friday to become chief of the city’s 1,850-officer department.

Sanders, an assistant chief for the past year, was selected by City Manager Jack McGrory, who said he was impressed by Sanders’ command experience, his commitment to diversity in hiring and promotion, and his dedication to expanding neighborhood policing.

“I’m going to be a chief who is out in the community, holding community meetings, gaining the support of all segments,” Sanders said. “But I also want to be with the cops. I want them to know that I appreciate the tough job they’ve got.”

Sanders is a native of Long Beach and attended Long Beach City College and San Diego State before getting a degree in criminal justice from National University.

He has commanded stations in two of San Diego’s most crime-ridden neighborhoods. He has long experience as a beat officer and has worked in internal affairs, investigating allegations of police misconduct.

He also commanded the SWAT team for two years. During his tenure, Sanders oversaw the squad’s handling of the 1984 “San Ysidro Massacre,” in which a gunman killed 21 people at a fast-food restaurant. Sanders gave the order for a police sharpshooter to shoot the gunman because he was threatening hostages and refusing to surrender.

Sanders’ appointment must be confirmed by the City Council, which has set a public hearing for May 17.

McGrory said Sanders was chosen from a field of 50 candidates that was narrowed to eight finalists, including five from within the department. He succeeds Bob Burgreen, 54, who is retiring after five years as chief and 33 years with the department.

To help pick the finalists, McGrory relied on a citizens’ committee that included a prominent civil libertarian, a Navy admiral, a Latino Catholic priest, the fire chief, a black minister, a Latina business owner, an Anglo woman business owner, an Asian-American sociology professor and an official with a local AIDS foundation.

Sanders’ salary has not been set. Burgreen was earning $104,000 a year.