The City of Rio Dell is pleased to announce that Mr. Jeff Conner has accepted an offer to serve as the Chief of
Police for the Rio Dell Police Department. Conner started his law enforcement career in 1993 as a Patrol
Officer in Rio Dell under Chief Rick Shipley. Conner was promoted to the position of Sergeant and Acting
Chief of Police before he began work at the County of Humboldt in 2002. He has since served in a reserve
capacity for the department. Conner has an undergraduate degree in forestry from UC Berkeley.
“The demands upon the position of the Chief of Police are great even though this is a small city and small
department. Jeff Conner has demonstrated his thoughtful character, enthusiasm and has a respect for and
understanding of this community. He is ready for the challenge.” stated Rio Dell City Manager Kyle Knopp.
Upon accepting the offer, Mr. Conner stated “I started my law enforcement career in Rio Dell so it seems fitting
that I end my career in the same city, passing on the experience and knowledge that I gained in twenty-four
years of law enforcement.”
An open recruitment for the position began in August and elicited statewide responses. In conjunction with the
City Manager, an Ad Hoc committee composed of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem was formed to review
potential candidates and identify prospects for the next Chief of Police.
Mayor Frank Wilson identified the Police Department as a major asset to the community and stated “It is
important that Rio Dell maintain its own police force. I’m very happy to have Mr. Conner aboard to help move
the department forward.”
A special session of the Rio Dell City Council has been called for December 13, 2017 at 4:00 pm to confirm the
appointment. Conner is expected to begin work before the end of the year and will have a formal swearing in
ceremony at the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting on January 2, 2018.
CLICK TO MANAGE