About Mike Kanalakis

Mike Kanalakis, serving his second term as Sheriff of Monterey County, has been with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office for over 33 years.

Sheriff Kanalakis began his long career with the Sheriff’s Office on January 3, 1977.  While a Patrol Deputy for the Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Kanalakis pursued graduate studies earning a Masters in Public Administration from Golden Gate University.  Sheriff Kanalakis’ former assignments have included the Patrol Division as a Supervisory Sergeant, Special Operations as a Commander, and the Coroner’s Division as a Commander.  As a Commander, Sheriff Kanalakis also served as Interim Chief of Police for the City of Greenfield.

Working closely with federal elected and Salinas City officials, in 2004 Sheriff Kanalakis was instrumental in obtaining a $3.1 million Congressional earmark for the establishment of County of Monterey/City of Salinas joint gang task force.   Another of Sheriff Kanalakis’ accomplishments is the establishment of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad.  As a result of Sheriff Kanalakis’ efforts, Monterey County will now have a bomb squad able to respond throughout the County to all incidents involving explosive devices and will be able to provide assistance to neighboring counties as needed. 

Sheriff Kanalakis brings a tremendous amount of experience and dedication to Monterey County.  He is committed to creating a Sheriff’s Office based on equity, fairness, and justice, and believes only in positive meaningful changes that will help the community.  Sheriff Kanalakis is a very proud husband of over 35 years, a father of two, and a grandfather of four.