New King City police officer sworn in Tuesday

A new officer is ready to hit the streets in King City, after a recent hiring effort.

Tuesday wasOfficer Christopher Tyler’s first day on the job with the King City Police Department and the view outside the patrol car isn’t all that different from home.

Born and raised in Watsonville, the 25-year-old said he’s all too familiar with the scandal that rocked King City police and the entire community.

“I know King City Police Department had had some iffy waters in the past and I want to try and get past that, build good relations with the community,” said Tyler.

But that will take time and dedication said Tyler’s training officer, Steve Orozco. He was there when the community’s trust was at an all-time low.

“We’re building our community back to where we want it to be. A good city, somewhere where people actually want to come here,” said Orozco.

For Orozco, bringing on a new officer is a good sign. He remembers when the city was seriously considering dissolving the department altogether and using the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement.

“We’re here to stay. We’re not gonna be gone and let the Sheriff’s Office take over. We’re here to stay,” said Orozco.

Tyler sees the rebuilding of the department as an opportunity to make an impact in King City. He said his first goal is to get to know the people. On Tuesday, Tyler was introduced at the City Council meeting.

“I just want to come out here and show people that all the stuff you see on the news and social media. It’s not true about everybody,” said Tyler.

Tyler will spend the next 12 weeks training before he hits the streets alone. In addition, the department will be swearing in another officer in June.