Former El Monte Police Chief Wayne C. Clayton, a towering figure in local law enforcement who reshaped policing in the San Gabriel Valley, died Dec. 26, 2025. He was 93.
Clayton devoted 42 years to the El Monte Police Department, including 22 years as chief, making him one of the longest-serving police chief in city history. City officials and former colleagues credit his leadership with transforming the department into a recognized model of community-focused policing.
Born in 1932, Clayton began his career with the El Monte Police Department in the late 1950s, rising steadily through the ranks. He assumed the role of chief on Aug. 1, 1978, at a time when cities across Southern California faced rising crime, gang activity, and strained police-community relations.
During his tenure, Clayton advanced what he described as “tough community policing,” a strategy that paired firm enforcement with deep neighborhood engagement. Years before community policing became common practice nationwide, he established a Community Relations Office that placed officers in schools, homes, and neighborhood meetings throughout El Monte.
Clayton also prioritized early intervention. He launched youth outreach and gang prevention efforts that targeted at-risk teens, including the creation of a Police Explorer Academy that guided local students toward careers in public service and law enforcement. Former officers have said those programs helped redirect hundreds of young residents away from crime.
Beyond policing strategy, Clayton exerted influence at the state level. In 1986, the International Union of Police Associations named him Police Chief of the Year for sponsoring legislation that allowed cities to cover punitive damages for officers sued for actions taken within the scope of their duties. Supporters said the law protected officers acting in good faith while preserving accountability.
Inside City Hall, Clayton promoted interdepartmental cooperation. He linked police with schools, public works, and parks and recreation to address community needs that ranged from youth sports programs to senior home improvement projects. That collaborative approach became a hallmark of El Monte’s municipal operations.
Clayton also earned respect for his treatment of injured officers. Rather than forcing early retirement, he worked to retain injured personnel as sworn officers when possible, preserving careers and institutional knowledge.
After retiring on Dec. 31, 2000, Clayton received the honorary title of Chief Emeritus. The city later named the El Monte Police Administration Building in his honor, cementing his legacy in the civic landscape.
Clayton graduated from Mt. San Antonio College in 1959, earned a degree from Cal State Los Angeles, and attended the FBI National Academy in 1980. In retirement, he founded the Chief Emeritus Wayne C. Clayton Foundation, which supports youth and seniors in El Monte.
Clayton died from complications related to dementia. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna, and is survived by two children and a granddaughter. City officials said details on memorial services will be released by El Monte and the police department. More information about the department’s history is available at https://www.ci.el-monte.ca.us/149/Police.
