Santa Rosa names new police chief

Santa Rosa police Capt. Rainer Navarro will be Santa Rosa’s new police chief on Aug. 1.

Santa Rosa city manager Sean McGlynn announced Navarro’s appointment Thursday. Navarro, who has been with the Santa Rosa Police Department for 27 years, was selected during a nationwide, extensive recruitment, McGlynn said.

McGlynn said:

“Ray rose to the top based on his public safety experience, leadership within the Department and City, and demonstrated ability to forge strong ties with local community groups and organizations surrounding complex social issues.”

Navarro follows Chief Hank Schreeder who is retiring.

Navarro said:

“It is a privilege to represent the City where I have lived, worked and served for the last nearly 30 years and for an organization that stresses excellence and integrity in every aspect of service to our community.”

He said he will conduct a series of listening sessions over the next several months to understand the community’s expectations of the Police Department and identify future goals.

Navarro started a Gang Resistance Education and Training Program, a youth life skills program in three local school districts and has extensive experience working with the community on issues including gangs, homelessness and youth violence.