Michael Canfield
Chief Mike Canfield has long considered Mountain View his home. Raised in this community and a graduate of Mountain View High School his decision to serve with the Mountain View Police Department in January 1999 was a natural step.
Mike rose through the ranks with operational, supervisory and command experience in patrol, investigations and support services. He was promoted to Police Lieutenant in March 2014, served as a watch commander and oversaw the department’s Personnel and Training functions, Crisis Negotiations and SWAT team, and has helped lead successful efforts in critical incident response and de-escalation while prioritizing community safety. Chief Canfield was promoted to Police Captain in December 2020 and was assigned as the department’s representative supporting the City’s Public Safety Advisory Board.
Mike is committed to guiding the MVPD into the future, prioritizing community engagement, exceptional public safety services, and the well-being of the department’s staff.
Mike is the recipient of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hero Award, the Police Department’s Distinguished Service Medal, and he proudly shares the Meritorious Unit Citation. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Columbia Southern University, is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Senior Leaders in Local Government program, and is a graduate of Leadership Mountain View. He is a member of the California Police Chiefs Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Police Executive Research Forum.