Redding appoints interim police chief as city navigates multiple changes in leadership

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

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. 

His appointment comes as Redding officials reel from the unexpected death of the city’s former top leader. As one of his last decisions as city manager, Tarbox had recommended Schreeder’s appointment as interim chief until a permanent replacement is found. Newly-appointed Interim City Manager Michael Webb will continue the search for a new top law enforcement leader. 

The recruitment process for the position, conducted by Bob Murray & Associates, closed on July 5. Webb noted that he is conducting interviews for the permanent police chief role next Wednesday, with some city council members stepping in to support. 

“This is a very, very difficult process,” Redding Mayor Mike Littau said. “This is not how it was planned, but we want to be alongside our interim city manager with full support.” 

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. 

Moe Shimizu is a student at Yale University. She’s reporting for Shasta Scout as a 2026 summer intern, with support from the Nonprofit Newsroom Internship Program — created by The Scripps Howard Fund and the Institute for Nonprofit News.

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