Chief of Police Matthew Tamayo

Matthew Tamayo is the Chief of Police for the City of Rancho Cordova. In this role, Chief Tamayo works with the City Council and city staff to make Rancho Cordova a safe place to live, work, learn and play.

Chief Tamayo has over 20 years of law enforcement experience with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.

Chief Tamayo started his law enforcement career with the Sacramento Sheriff's Office and held numerous assignments including Corrections, Patrol, Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Officer, Gang Detective, Narcotics Detective, Internal Affairs, and most recently as the Commander of the Training and Education Division. Chief Tamayo also previously served the Rancho Cordova Police Department (RCPD) as a Patrol Supervisor, Patrol Watch Commander, Operations Commander and Assistant Police Chief.

Chief Tamayo has prioritized training throughout his career and has instructed numerous courses, including Principled Policing and the Sheriff's Leadership Program. His dedication to learning and teaching his peers has been a priority throughout his career. Chief Tamayo graduated from Union Institute and University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice management.

Chief Tamayo has been committed to building relationships and trust through community involvement and transparency throughout his career. With his experience previously working as a sergeant and lieutenant in the City of Rancho Cordova and knowledge of the diverse neighborhoods, Chief Tamayo strived for community involvement in all his efforts.

In addition to serving as Rancho Cordova’s Chief of Police, Chief Tamayo will also serve as Commander of the Sheriff’s Office East Division out of the Kilgore Police Station.

Contact the Chief of Police by email.

Assistant Chief of Police Nick Goncalves 

Assistant Chief of Police Nick Goncalves has nearly 28 years of law enforcement experience with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Management.

While assigned as a Sheriff Deputy, Sergeant and Lieutenant, he served the community in various roles, including corrections, patrol, and narcotics and gang detective. He has held leadership assignments in the Courts, Community Relations Unit and Robbery Unit, and served as the Academy Director, Patrol Watch Commander and Assistant Commander of the Sheriff’s Central Division. 

Assistant Chief Goncalves has been heavily involved in the instruction of Principled Policing throughout the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and RCPD. Throughout his career, he has consistently worked to maintain and improve relationships between the communities he serves and law enforcement.

Contact the Assistant Chief of Police by email.