SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Ca. (March 9, 2026): Captain Terrance Burton has been selected as the Chief of Police Services for the City of San Juan Capistrano. He begins his new assignment on Friday, March 20.
“I’m deeply honored to serve this community and to lead the dedicated personnel who are committed to its safety,” Captain Burton said. “I look forward to working together to strengthen our partnerships and continue providing exceptional service.”
Captain Burton joined the Sheriff’s Department in 2006 as a Sheriff’s Special Officer before becoming a deputy in 2007. He was first assigned to the Theo Lacy Jail Facility in custody operations before serving the city of Laguna Hills as a patrol deputy.
In 2014, Captain Burton was assigned to the Tactical Training Center, serving as an instructor teaching critical skills and tactics for deputy sheriffs. Captain Burton then transferred to the Strategy Accountability Focus and Evaluation (SAFE) Division, conducting investigations into department complaints.
Captain Burton promoted to investigator in 2017 and was assigned to the Custody Intelligence Unit, monitoring gang activity and investigating crime in the Orange County Jail.
In 2020, Captain Burton became a sergeant at the Intake and Release Center, managing custody operations and supervising the Jail Compliance and Training Team. He returned to SAFE as a supervisor in 2022, working internal affairs and serving on the Administrative Response Team for critical incidents.
Captain Burton was assigned to San Clemente Police Services as a sergeant in 2023, supervising and mentoring patrol deputies. In 2024, he joined the Sandra Hutchens Regional Law Enforcement Training Center as a sergeant responsible for leading the Correctional Services Assistant Academy and the Deputy Sheriff Trainee Pre-Academy. Most recently, Captain Burton served as a lieutenant for the James A. Musick Facility, overseeing operations for the jail facility.
Captain Burton has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from San Diego State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from California State University, Long Beach.
When not working, Captain Burton enjoys traveling, spending quality time with family and friends, attending live sporting events, and participating in church services.
