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Courtesy photo.
VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department is proud to announce the selection of Commander Matt Cain as Assistant Police Chief. A 25-year veteran of the department, with nearly 30 years in law enforcement overall, Cain will begin his new role on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
Cain currently oversees the Professional Standards & Development Unit, which includes employee relations, recruitment and hiring, background investigations, internal affairs, department training, and the Volunteer Program. He also serves as Executive Officer for the Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.
“We have great people at VPD, making promotion decisions incredibly competitive,” said Police Chief David Dickey. “Matt is a proven leader who brings a wealth of experience in tactical operations, personnel development, and a passion for serving our community. I’m proud to have him as part of our leadership team and look forward to continuing to work alongside him in this new capacity.”
Cain began his law enforcement career in 1996 with the Los Angeles Police Department before joining the Ventura Police Department in 2000. He has promoted through the ranks, earning the title of Corporal in 2006, Sergeant in 2012, and Commander in 2020.
He has led several of the department’s critical units, including the Major Crimes Unit, SWAT Team, and Crisis Negotiations Team, and held specialty assignments in Motors, Street Crimes, and Major Crimes. He is a certified POST Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) Instructor and a Force Options Simulator Instructor.
Cain’s dedication to public service has earned him several accolades, including the LAPD Meritorious Service Medal in 1997, the VPD Medal of Merit in 2007, and the City of Ventura’s Supervisor of the Year Award in both 2015 and 2019. He is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from California Coast University.
As an Assistant Police Chief, Cain will oversee Administrative Operations, including Professional Standards & Development, Investigations, School Resource Officers, Records, and Business Services.
For more information about the Ventura Police Department, visit www.venturapd.org.