Kenneth W. Small was appointed Chief of the Huntington Beach Police Department on October 12, 2002. He began his career in law enforcement with the Los Angeles Police Department in 1971, and worked as an officer in North Hollywood, Foothill and Central Divisions until he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1979. As a Sergeant he worked in the Wilshire Division assigned to Internal Affairs and was a member of the 1984 Olympic Planning Task Force. In 1985 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and his assignments included the Organized Crime Intelligence Unit, Personnel and Training Bureau, Office of Special Services and Planning and Research. He also served as the Watch Commander for North Hollywood, Devonshire, and Van Nuys Division. In 1994 Chief Small was promoted to the rank of Captain serving as Commander of Southeast Division and as Commander of the Training Division.

In September 1996, Chief Small was appointed as Chief of the Daytona Beach Police Department, remaining there until his selection as the Chief of Huntington Beach. Chief Small was responsible for developing and implementing a community based and community oriented policing plan in Dayton Beach as well as upgrading policies and procedures. He improved city and department procedures for hosting major special events that attracted more than 8 million visitors to the city each year.

Chief Small has earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Cal State University Northridge, a Master Of Science Degree in Management from Cal State University Pomona, and is a graduate of the POST California Command College.

Since relocating from Florida and becoming Chief in Huntington Beach, he is actively involved in the local community and the Orange County law enforcement community. He is a member of the Golden West College Criminal Justice Training Center Advisory Committee, California League of Cities-Environmental Quality Policy Committee, Leadership Southern California Alumni Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Orange County Chiefs and Sheriffs Association and the Cal ID Ran Board. He also serves as a Board of Director member for the Boys and Girls Club of Huntington Valley and the Victim Assistance Programs Governing Board.

Chief Small and his wife Susan have been married for thirty-seven years. They have two sons, a daughter, and three grandchildren. He enjoys spending time hiking and fishing in the Sierras with his family.

Chief Small's email address is chief@hbpd.org.