Lateral Police Officer - Redding Police Department

The City of Redding was incorporated on October 4, 1887, and the first “City Marshal” was elected with the first board of trustees. Redding became the county seat of Shasta County in 1888. The Municipal Code of 1898 prescribed the size of the police force, duties of police (peace) officers and, with the advice and consent of the police committee, authorized the City Marshall to adopt and enforce rules and regulations for the governing of the department.

In 1902, the first demonstration of the automobile was held in Redding, and by 1906, Redding had six vehicles in the entire incorporated area. In 1919, there were 43 saloons and 3,400 people in Redding. The most-often committed crime was listed as “dishonesty.” By 1920, the Redding Police Department consisted of three people – a captain, a deputy chief, and a night watchman. These three individuals handled everything from general police peace-keeping duties to acting as court bailiffs to routine nighttime alleyway patrols. In the summer of 1923, the first woman was deputized for the summer to provide police services at the local swimming resort.

California’s Governor signed a bill in 1929 abolishing “Hick Titles,” which decreed that “City Marshal” would henceforth be known as “Chief of Police.”

Traffic problems in 1933 were so bad that one officer had to be appointed as Traffic Officer, and City Council purchased a motorcycle for traffic enforcement. By 1939, with construction of nearby Shasta Dam underway, Redding had grown to a population of nearly 7,000 residents. The Police Department had expanded to include up to 7 police officers, 2 cars, 1 paddy wagon, and 1 motorcycle. As there were no police radios, when a police officer needed assistance, he was instructed to turn on his vehicle’s red light and call the Department from the nearest available telephone.

In 1957, juvenile problems had escalated, and the first Juvenile Officer position was created. In the late 1960’s, the Department purchased its first computer system, and in 1965 the first police dogs were put into service. The first police dispatchers were hired in 1965, freeing one officer each shift from handling dispatching and phone-related duties. In 1971, the Ride-A-Long program began, and the Explorer Post was formed. In 1972, the first police radar system was put into operation. The end of the 1970’s put the Department into the new — and current — building, a renovated auto dealership, on the corner of California and Shasta Streets.

The Redding Police Department is a highly professional organization that is committed to excellence in everything that we do. Our mission is to work in partnership with the community to protect life and property, find innovative ways to solve neighborhood problems and enhance the quality of life in our city.  We work to fulfill this mission daily by collaborating with our community to identify and creatively resolve problems.

Our success in meeting this mission is the result of the efforts of our remarkably dedicated sworn officers and civilian employees.  We have made a commitment to hiring only the best, and we are very proud of the men and women of the Redding Police Department.

Whether you are here because you are seeking information as a resident, visitor, or business owner, or if you are here because you are interested in pursuing a career with our Department, I hope our website can provide you with the information you need. If not, or if there is anything else we can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to contact us. It would be our honor to serve you."

Brian Barner, Chief of Police