Police Captains

San Pablo Police Captain James Laughter started his law enforcement career on November 1, 1999 with the Suisun City Police Department. In 2005, James lateraled to the Benicia Police Department and worked various assignments and promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. In 2019, James lateraled to the Walnut Creek Police Department as a Lieutenant and assigned to the Operations Division. As a Watch Commander, James managed the Special Operations Bureau, K-9 program, Patrol Teams, SWAT and Special Events Unit. On July 19, 2021, James joined the San Pablo Police Department where he oversees the Patrol Operations Division. James is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and Senior Management Institute for Police. James has a Juris Doctor from Taft Law School, Master’s in Leadership from Saint Mary’s College and a Bachelor’s in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco.

Captain Shawn Ray was hired as a police officer in 2001.  In 2013, Shawn was promoted to Detective, where he was assigned to investigate crimes against children and sexual assaults.  In 2015, Shawn was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and transferred to the patrol division.  In 2018, Shawn was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned as a patrol Watch Commander, overseeing the patrol division.  In 2020, Shawn was transferred to the Investigations Division.  In 2021, Shawn oversaw the implementation of our newly developed Priority Oriented Policing Unit (POP), which was tasked with addressing blight, mental health, homelessness, and traffic safety.  Shawn has held the assignments of: Patrol officer, SWAT Operator/Assistant Team Leader/Tactical Commander, Bicycle Patrol Officer, K-9 Handler/Unit Coordinator, Field Training Officer, Range Instructor, Detective, and Police Officer Association Treasurer.  Shawn is a graduate of the POST Command College program, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from CA State University, Hayward, and a Master's degree in Law Enforcement Leadership from San Diego State University.  Shawn’s career was marked by his promotion of the values of community policing and crime prevention through community health and beautification. Shawn has coordinated several multifaceted city beautification projects to improve the living conditions for our residents.