Wilson promoted to Chief Deputy in Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz county jail system will get a new boss. Sheriff-Elect Jim Hart has promoted Craig Wilson from Lieutenant to Chief Deputy and will lead the Corrections Bureau.

“I am proud to announce that Craig Wilson is being promoted from Lieutenant to Chief Deputy,” says Sheriff-elect Jim Hart, “Craig has had a distinguished career with the Sheriff’s Office and his extensive jail and prison experience will serve our office well.”

As the Chief Deputy of the Corrections Bureau, Wilson’s emphasis will be maintaining the safety and security of the jail system. He’ll also work to reduce inmate recidivism by partnering with the community to provide opportunities for inmates to improve their lives.

Wilson began his career in law enforcement in 1986 as a correctional officer at Soledad State Prison and joined the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office in 1988. He’s worked as a deputy in patrol, courts and investigations; a sergeant in patrol, investigations and administration; and a lieutenant in corrections and administration. His most recent assignment before his promotion was Investigations Commander, where he oversaw criminal investigations, the crime lab, and coroner section.