BRIAN W. COLE
Redding,CA
Summary
Experienced executive leader with over 20 years of public service leadership in high-pressure operational environments. Proven ability to build strong teams, improve organizational performance, and deliver exceptional service. Skilled in strategic leadership, crisis management, conflict resolution, and cross-department collaboration. Known for fostering trust, accountability, and continuous growth within organizations while maintaining a strong focus on service, safety, and community engagement.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Detective and Records Division Commander
Redding Police Department
Redding, CA
01.2024 - Current
- Lead investigative operations and supervise multidisciplinary teams responsible for complex cases while also overseeing Records operations. Provided guidance and assistance to the Chief of Police in managing department wide initiatives.
- Direct investigative teams while ensuring high standards of professionalism, accountability, and service to the community
- Coordinate cross-agency collaboration with regional, state, and federal partners.
- Mentor supervisors and investigators to improve performance, teamwork, and professional development.
- Implement initiatives to improve investigation and record keeping processes. and service delivery.
- Manage budgets for both Detective Division and Records Division, with approximately 35 full time employees.
Field Operations Division Commander
Redding Police Department
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Budgetary oversight of approximately 20-25 million in personnel, training and equipment costs.
- Oversaw daily operations for patrol personnel responsible for community response and service delivery.
- Focused heavily on the development, training and accountability of a new generation of law enforcement.
- Managed large teams in fast-paced environments requiring rapid decision-making and effective communication.
Administrative Division Commander
Redding Police Department
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Directed key organizational functions including personnel development, policy implementation, training.
- Led the largest hiring surge in RPD history, hiring approximately 65 employees in 16 months.
- Focused on organizational efficiency, examined processes and procedures and implemented employee standards.
Lieutenant – Field Operations & Administration
Redding Police Department
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Supervised frontline teams and coordinated operational strategies to improve safety, service delivery and community engagement.
- Managed training programs and professional development initiatives for department personnel.
- Help develop and expanded the Special Services Unit (SSU) to manage all of the proactive resources within the department.
Sergeant / Corporal – Field Operations
Redding Police Department
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Led patrol teams responsible for emergency response, conflict resolution, and community service.
- Provided mentorship and performance coaching to officers.
- Oversaw operational planning and coordinated team response to complex incidents.
Patrol Officer / Investigator
Redding Police Department
01.2006 - 01.2015
- Provided direct public service to the community through emergency response, problem solving and enforcement of laws and regulations.
- Developed strong communication and fast decision-making skills in high-pressure environments.
- Conducted complex investigations requiring analytical thinking, attention to detail, and collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
Sergeant / Squad Leader
United States Army
01.2000 - 01.2003
- Led and mentored teams in demanding operational environments, including overseas deployment.
- Responsible for personnel training, mission planning, and team safety.
- Strong emphasis on accountability and discipline of personnel.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
California Coast University
06-2026
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Administration (Honors)
National University
General Education Studies - undefined
University of Maryland / Shasta College
Skills
- Team leadership skills
- Operations management
- Recruitment and retention of personnel
- Development of organizational culture
- Customer-oriented service
- Accountability and transparency
Affiliations
- Completed 3,500+ hours of advanced leadership and professional training, including:
- Leadership & Management Development
- Internal Affairs Investigations
- Media Relations & Public Communication
- Crisis Intervention & Conflict Resolution
- Tactical Liability & Operational Risk Management
- Member- California Police Chiefs Association
- Member- International Association of Chief's of Police
- Member- Police Executive Research Forum
Certification
- California POST Management, Executive, Supervisory, Advanced, Intermediate, and Basic Certificates
- Graduate of the Senior Management Institute of Policing (Boston, MA)
Timeline
Detective and Records Division Commander
Redding Police Department
01.2024 - Current
Field Operations Division Commander
Redding Police Department
01.2023 - 01.2024
Administrative Division Commander
Redding Police Department
01.2022 - 01.2023
Lieutenant – Field Operations & Administration
Redding Police Department
01.2019 - 01.2022
Sergeant / Corporal – Field Operations
Redding Police Department
01.2015 - 01.2019
Patrol Officer / Investigator
Redding Police Department
01.2006 - 01.2015
Sergeant / Squad Leader
United States Army
01.2000 - 01.2003
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Administration (Honors)
National University
General Education Studies - undefined
University of Maryland / Shasta College
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
California Coast University
Awards & Recognition
Law Enforcement, Supervisor of the Year – Redding Police Department (2017), Investigator of the Year – Redding Police Department (2015), Officer of the Year – Redding Police Department (2010), Meritorious Conduct Award (2016), Police Merit Awards (2010, 2018), Police Commendation Award (2009), Butte Law Enforcement Academy – Top Recruit (2006), Military, Army Commendation Medal – Operation Iraqi Freedom, Army Commendation Medal – 2nd Infantry Division, South Korea, Army Commendation Medal – 3rd Infantry Division, Army Achievement Medals (3)
Community Leadership
- First 5 Shasta Board, Chairman / Commissioner, 2020, Present
- Millville Elementary School Site Council, Chairman, 2016, 2020
- Grant Elementary School Site Council, Chairman, 2013, 2015
Leadership & Program Management Experience
- SWAT Team Commander responsible for managing the departments high risk operations
- Leadership role with the Officer Involved Critical Incident Response Team (OICIRT)
- Field Training Officer Program Manager
- Neighborhood Police Unit Program Manager
- Peer Support Program Manager
- Range Program Supervisor / Firearms Instructor
- Managed specialized teams, developed training programs, and coordinated large-scale operational initiatives focused on safety, teamwork, community improvement