VISTA — David LaDieu will serve as the new captain at the Vista Sheriff’s Station effective Aug. 21, following former captain Shane Watts’ promotion to a commander role in the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.
LaDieu has served over two decades in the Sheriff’s Office, most recently as captain of the Major Crimes Division.
He started out in 2005 as a detention deputy sheriff, and has also served in the patrol, gang and crime suppression units, special enforcement detail, the sheriff’s communications center, the Narcotics Task Force, and as the media relations director in 2023 and 2024.
His experience also includes serving as a sergeant at Vista Station from November 2018 to January 2020. Vista City Manager John Conley said he is an excellent person to lead the Vista Station due to his familiarity with the city and his varied leadership experience.
“His previous service at the station gives him an established understanding of our community, while his experience as the Sheriff’s Office media relations director reflects his ability to communicate openly and build public trust. We look forward to welcoming him back to Vista and working with him to keep our community safe,” Conley said.
LaDieu said stepping into the position is an incredible honor.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with our residents, community organizations and the dedicated deputies who serve this community each day. I am committed to fostering meaningful engagement, strengthening public trust and improving quality-of-life issues for our residents. I am optimistic about the opportunities ahead and remain dedicated to ensuring our continued partnership with the community,” LaDieu said.
John Malan has served as the Vista Sheriff’s captain since December 2024. Under his leadership, the department added a second gang detective after years of requests to the Vista City Council for more personnel.
Conley recognized Malan for his leadership and service in Vista. Malan will be assigned to the sheriff’s Human Resources Bureau.
“We wish him continued success in his new role as commander,” Conley said.
Vista is one of several cities that contracts with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office for police services, rather than establishing its own police department.
