City of Chico

CodeRED Emergency Notification

 

Stay Informed During an Emergency

Records Division Announces New Hours

Beginning January 8, 2018

Monday - Thursday 8AM - 4PM
Friday CLOSED

For more information Click Here

Message from the Chief of Police

Michael O'Brien

(Photo by Alain Tomatis Photography)

The Chico Police Department is a diverse organization comprised of over 140 full-time employees, with an additional 100 police volunteers, including Volunteers in Police Service, Explorers, Chaplains and Interns. It is the collective mission of the Chico Police Department to enhance and facilitate community safety.

We believe that trust and communication between a department and community are essential, and are built intentionally. As such, interaction with our entire community is a priority. This includes difficult conversations about controversial issues. The department recently adopted a new community policing emphasis and command structure to better serve the needs of the community, and enhance that interaction. This new command structure consists of a deputy chief, five lieutenants and two civilian managers, all under the office of the chief of police. Of the five lieutenants, three are assigned as watch commanders, with each given a geographic area of responsibility, classified as East, West and Central. This geographic responsibility provides the community with a department representative, or a "face to a place", to get to know and access when the need arises.

Our policing philosophy and re-structure are part of that greater commitment to trust and communicaiton. While Community Oriented Policing is our model, a Police (Public Safety) Oriented Community is our goal. There should never be division between a police department and the community that it serves. They are truly one in the same. While the department has both a statutory and moral responsibility for community safety, we know that a community that actively engages with its police department will be both safer and healthier. That is how I view our community and its engagement with us.

While we have and will face many challenges, we will do so collaboratively. I am genuinely excited about the future of this community because of this fact. As I stated when I was first appointed this position, I am humbled, honored and blessed to serve as your chief, and to lead your incredible law enforcement professionals.

Michael O’Brien

Chief of Police