Santa Rosa Sheriff Rainer Navarro to retire in May – CBS San Francisco

SANTA ROSA (BCN) – After two decades of serving the Department, Santa Rosa Sheriff Rainer Navarro announced he was retiring in May, city officials announced this week.

Navarro began his career with the SRPD in 1992 and was selected as team leader in 2019.

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His tenure oversaw the COVID-19 pandemic and the Glass Fire. He is credited with founding the Chiefs’ Community Ambassadors Group (C-CAT), implementing the city’s Community Empowerment Plan, and reinstating the police auditor role for independent oversight. create.

Navarro also oversaw the department during the violent 2020 George Floyd protests, during which 5 protesters said they were injured by police officers, who allegedly used tear gas and bullets against them. surname. The city ultimately settled with the protesters for $1.9 million, plus attorneys’ fees.

U.S. District Judge Vince Chabria placed the actions of officers during the protest on the shoulders of Sheriff Navarro.

“When the department is implementing an organized response on the whole,” he wrote, “one can assume that the sheriff controls his department, either directing that response himself or – at least – approving it.” behavior standards of subordinates. ”

Attorney Izaak Schwaiger was involved in two lawsuits against the Santa Rosa Police Department during Navarro’s tenure, but he paid tribute to the sheriff.

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“The head man led the department through some challenging times, and he did so with dignity,” says Schwaiger. “We didn’t always see each other, but he is someone who is committed to improving and I wish him the best when he retires.”

City Manager Maraskeshia Smith called Navarro “forward” and “considerate.”

“He has been steadfast and compassionate during some of the most turbulent times for policing,” she said. “Sheriff Navarro has set a high standard for community engagement and engagement and has positioned the department to become more transparent and accessible going forward.”

Navarro’s legacy includes the creation of the Departmental Operations Center and Special Enforcement Team to deal with emergencies and violent crime.

According to the city, Captain John Cregan has been appointed interim leader until a new one is selected. The process of recruiting and selecting a new permanent head is expected to take several months.

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