Stephen M. Cercone is a former police chief and the founder of Police Chief Consultants. Originally from Boston, Steve retired as the Chief of Police for the City of Seaside Police Department (CA) in 2010 after a successful 29-year career in law enforcement. His range of police experience spans three decades in two different states. Prior to serving eight years in Seaside as Chief and Captain, Steve spent almost thirteen years with the Bellevue Police Department in Washington State. Prior to that, he served eight years with the San Mateo Police Department in northern California.

Prior to becoming a Chief of Police, Steve's experience included service as the commander of the Patrol Division and Investigations Division, Internal Affairs, Media Relations, Property Crimes Detective, Narcotics Detective, and many years as a SWAT team member and supervisor. Steve was involved in many cases throughout his career to include homicide investigation, high-risk tactical deployment and undercover narcotics operations. His career has also included personal experiences in an officer-involved shooting, riot control, executive protection and critical incidents. Steve has been recognized for his collaborative work helping to develop progressive partnerships in Monterey County such as the first regional narcotics task force and the first regional SWAT team on the Monterey Peninsula.

Steve is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia and also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Behavior from the University of San Francisco. He also holds an Executive Certificate with the State of California P.O.S.T. Commission, the highest certification in the state. Steve sits on the Advisory Board of the University of San Francisco's International Institute of Criminal Justice Leadership.