Rudy Escalante

Rudy Escalante is a highly experienced private consultant who provides executive leadership and professional management services. Mr. Escalante has over thirty years of experience serving California communities as a Public Safety officer and over seven years of safety and security experience in the private sector. He works to instill a high level of integrity and strong values within organizations. He mentors executives, managers, and supervisors to better understand their role within a government organization.

Mr. Escalante began his public service career in Santa Cruz County. Over a thirty-year career, he rose to become a Police Lieutenant managing the Investigations Section. He developed strong skills in policy review, budget analysis, public relations, and personnel management. Mr. Escalante assumed responsibility as Deputy Chief of Police in the City of Watsonville conducting personnel investigations and assisting the employer as the bargaining table. Three years later, he became Chief of Police in Capitola, the position he held until his Honorable Retirement in 2016. Mr. Escalante served as the Chief Executive Officer for Janus of Santa Cruz, a local non-profit drug and alcohol treatment center serving the residents of Santa Cruz County. With other 140 employees, he participated in complex union negotiations, personnel investigations, and contract negotiations with the County government.

While a Chief of Police, he participated in the Law & Legislative Committee for the California Police Chief’s Association and was the chair of their Firearms Committee. Mr. Escalante is an instructor for the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium where he teaches personnel investigations to newly promoted police sergeants. Mr. Escalante has security and safety experience in the private sector by developing Injury Illness Prevention Plans (IIPP), Respiratory Protection (RPP) and other OSHA related requirements.

Mr. Escalante is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from San Jose State University, a BS in Business Management from University of Phoenix, and an AS degree in Criminal Justice from Cabrillo College. He holds certifications for public safety and leadership, including P.O.S.T Executive Development courses and trainings. He is a licensed private investigator experienced in conducting complex workplace investigations.