Leading With Strength and Stewardship Brandon Barclay Chief of Police for City of Santa Clarita

By the time Brandon Barclay stepped into his role as Chief of Police for the City of Santa Clarita, he was already a familiar and trusted presence within the community. Having served nearly four years as Operations Lieutenant at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, Barclay brought continuity, experience, and a clear vision for public safety rooted in collaboration and trust.
Barclay succeeded former Chief Justin Diez, who was promoted to Commander, continuing a leadership legacy focused on proactive policing and community partnership. His appointment reflected not only professional achievement, but confidence in a leader who understands Santa Clarita, both as a city and as a home.
A nearly 20-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Barclay began his law enforcement career in 2007 after attending the North Academy at College of the Canyons. His early assignments included Pitchess Detention Center North and South Facilities and the Mira Loma Detention Center, where he gained critical experience in operations and inmate management before transitioning to patrol duties.
Patrol assignments in Palmdale and Lancaster helped shape Barclay’s field leadership skills, while his work with Community Partnership Bureau Crime Impact Teams underscored the importance of engagement and prevention. Promoted to detective in Lancaster, he served from 2013 to 2015 before advancing to field sergeant at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.
It was during this time that Barclay discovered a deep commitment to serving vulnerable populations. As supervisor of the Mental Evaluation Teams in the North Patrol Division, he spent four years overseeing mental health response efforts while also serving as a crisis negotiator, roles that demanded patience, empathy, and decisive leadership. These experiences became foundational to his approach to modern policing.
Barclay’s professional development mirrors his hands-on experience. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from California Lutheran University and a Master’s degree in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego, where he graduated with departmental honors. He also earned a Certificate of Negotiation Mastery from Harvard Business School, further refining his ability to lead during high-stakes situations.
Today, as Chief of Police, Barclay oversees operations with a comprehensive understanding of patrol, investigations, crisis response, and leadership strategy. His philosophy emphasizes listening, accountability, and proactive problem-solving to ensure Santa Clarita remains one of California’s safest cities.
“Serving as Chief is more than a position, it’s a responsibility to the people who live and work here,” Barclay says. “Every decision we make should strengthen trust, improve safety, and protect the quality of life that makes this community special.”
Outside of his professional role, Barclay is a devoted husband and father who values physical fitness, travel, and time outdoors. His appreciation for horses, reflected in this issue’s cover, speaks to his respect for discipline, balance, and partnership, qualities that define both his personal life and his leadership style.
As Santa Clarita continues to grow and evolve, Chief Brandon Barclay remains focused on guiding the city forward with steady leadership, thoughtful strategy, and a deep commitment to service, protecting not only the community, but the values that bind it together.

photo by Joie de Vivre photographie

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