The City of Reno has announced the two chief of police finalists to replace Chief Jason Soto on Friday evening.
The search for the next chief of police began when Chief Soto announced his retirement in April effective by January 2023, after serving for more than 25 years with the Reno Police Department (RPD). The City partnered with a public executive job search firm that specializes in government recruiting, and have selected Chief Christopher Crawforth of Sparks Police Department (Sparks PD) and Deputy Chief Kathryn Nance of Stockton Police Department.
In August, the City hosted a community meeting and created a survey where community members shared the qualities and public safety priorities they are looking for in the next Chief of Police. RPD employees were also encouraged to share their thoughts through a department survey. Overall, there were about 800 responses, and the City of Reno said it will be used in the selection process and will be a valuable feedback for the future Chief of Police.
Read the results overview below:
"We are fortunate to have received such high-quality applicants," Reno City Manager Dough Thornley said. "Both Chris and Kathryn align with the feedback we've received from our community on what they want to see in Reno's next Chief of Police and are eminently qualified to lead our police department. I'm excited for our residents to meet them-- and incredibly hopeful for our city."
Three advisory committees along with city leadership representatives, community stakeholders and RPD narrowed down the finalists:
Chief Christopher Crawforth (Sparks Police Department)
Chief Crawforth has over 20 years of law enforcement experience and is currently Sparks PD's Chief of Police, keeping the safety of over 100,000 residents along with 189 employees.
Before serving as Chief, he held leadership positions within Sparks PD as Deputy Chief, Investigations Lieutenant, Internal Affairs Lieutenant and Patrol Sergeant. Chief Crawforth is also an executive member of the Nevada Sheriffs and Chiefs Association, a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP). He also has a master's degree in public administration from Columbia Southern University and completed his bachelor's degree in conservation biology at the University of Nevada, Reno.
"With a demonstrable background of outstanding contributions to law enforcement and a history of progressively senior leadership roles, I have consistently enabled teams and individuals to set new standards of professional achievement," said Chief Crawforth.
I have a strong ability, cultivated through 20+ years of experience, to set long-term objectives, communicate my vision, and provide my people with all the training, skills, and motivation to succeed and thrive. I am excited for the opportunity to lead the employees of the Reno Police Department in improving upon the outstanding service they currently provide to the citizens and visitors of the City of Reno.
Chief Crawforth and his wife have two children, they love everything to do with the outdoors of northern Nevada.
Deputy Chief Kathryn Nance (Stockton Police Department)
Deputy Chief Nance has over 26 years of law enforcement experience and is currently Stockton Police Department's Deputy Chief of Operations. She is responsible for nearly 400 sworn and professional employees and a $107 million budget.
Before her role as Deputy Chief, she served as Stockton Police Department's Deputy Chief of Logistics, Police Captain of Strategic Operations, Patrol/Special Investigations Police Lieutenant, and Patrol/Investigations/Task Force Sergeant. She is also a member of Women Leaders in Law Enforcement, the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives and the American Leadership Forum. She has a bachelor's degree in education and is currently pursuing a master's degree in education expected to be completed in 2023.
"My leadership skills, extensive police experience, and commitment to organization wellness fit the expectations for Reno's next Chief of Police," said Deputy Chief Nance.
As Chief, I would use data-driven policing to enhance deployment and create crime reduction strategies. I would also work to develop a department-wide mission and overall plan that supports the department and community needs, while strengthening the department and providing stability for employees.
Deputy Chief Nance and her husband have a blended family of four children ranging between the ages of 23 to 30 and a five-year-old grandson. She said her family have always dreamed of moving to northern Nevada, with their son and family living in Nevada, they are ready for the transition. She also said they are looking forward to the "active outdoor lifestyle and sense of community that Reno offers."
The City of Reno will be hosting a community meet and greet, with more details to be announced soon. The new Chief of Police is expected to be hired by January 2023, following the City Manager's appointment and confirmation by the Reno City Council.