San Diego County Sheriff
Home MenuCharles Cinnamo, Commander
Charles "Chuck" Cinnamo was born and raised in San Diego County. He began his law enforcement career in March 1996 as a Corrections Deputy Sheriff Cadet. Upon completing the academy, he was assigned to the Central Detention Facility (CDF). In April 1997, he returned to
the academy to become a Deputy Sheriff. As a Deputy Sheriff he returned to CDF for several months before helping open the new San Diego Central Jail and working in jail administration.
In May 2000, he was transferred to the Lemon Grove Station where he held various assignments in patrol and as a field training officer. He also spent several years as a School Resource Officer at Monte Vista High School and as an Area Detective.
Chuck was promoted to the rank of sergeant in March 2007 and transferred to the San Marcos Station. While there, he worked as a supervisor in patrol, traffic, and area investigations.
After being promoted to Lieutenant in May 2011, he was assigned to the Vista Sheriff's Station, where he oversaw Patrol Operations, Area Investigations, the Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving Team, the Gang Enforcement Team, and Traffic, before being transferred to the Sheriff's Weapons Training Unit, where he managed the Sheriff's ranges and training facilities, procurement of equipment, and training.
With his promotion to Captain in February 2014, he was assigned to manage the Sheriff's Communications Center and Property and Evidence. He was eventually transferred to the Vista Command (which included the city of Vista and the surrounding unincorporated areas of Fallbrook, Bonsall, Rainbow, and De Luz), followed by the Narcotics and Gangs Division (street level narcotics enforcement, multi-agency task force units targeting narcotics, gangs, auto theft, and human trafficking, and fugitive apprehension).
In December 2019, he was promoted to Commander and assigned to the Law Enforcement Services Bureau where he currently oversees the investigative divisions for the Sheriff's Department. This includes the Major Crimes Division (Homicide, Child Abuse, Sexual Assault Elder/Financial Crimes, RESPECT, and Juvenile Services), Narcotics and Gangs Division, Special Investigations Division, and Crime Analysis.
Chuck graduated from Morse High School before attending college. He holds two associate degrees, one in Electronics Technology and the other in Computer Technology from Cuyamaca College, as well as a bachelor's degree in Vocational Education from San Diego State University. He is also a graduate of the 253rd Session of the FBI National Academy and POST Executive Development Course.