The Redding City Council has voted unanimously to appoint former Santa Rosa Police Chief Robert ‘Hank’ Schreeder as Redding’s interim chief of police. This decision comes as Redding navigates multiple leadership transitions after the unexpected death of former Redding City Manager William Tarbox earlier this week.

Leadership Transition

Kari Kibler, Redding’s personnel director, gave a presentation on the recommendation, noting that Schreeder had previously served as police chief in the city of Santa Rosa until his retirement in 2019. Schreeder has since completed three assignments as interim police chief in different cities, Kibler said.

He’ll take the place of former Redding Police Chief Brian Barner, who announced his retirement in April. Barner served with RPD for 34 years. His retirement is officially effective on September 22, but he served his last day in office on June 30.

Schreeder will begin his new role August 3 and will hold the position until a new chief is hired, something that’s expected to occur in mid September or early October. Until then, several police captains are filling in for the top law enforcement role on a rotating basis.

Community Input

During public comment on Schreeder’s appointment, some community members gave advice to those interviewing candidates for the top role, noting concern at the frequent changes in leadership in Redding’s police department over recent years.

‘As we move forward, can the number one question please be, ‘Do you intend to stay in this position long enough to make a difference, not just long enough to pad your retirement?’ one community member said, pointing out that some previous chiefs have only served for a few years.

Original reporting: Shasta Scout (Redding) — read the source article.