San Rafael, CA – Following a nationwide search, the City of San Rafael is pleased to announce David Spiller as their new Chief of Police. Chief Spiller brings an impressive background as a law enforcement professional beginning his career in San Diego as a patrol officer before moving to Mountain View and servicing various department operations for 11 years. Chief Spiller joined the City of Pleasanton in 2002 as a lieutenant and quickly rose to the rank of Police Chief for eight-plus years. Chief Spiller is currently serving as the Interim Police Chief for the City of Menlo Park and will begin his new post in San Rafael on March 16, 2021.
“Chief Spiller has that rare combination of being a great communicator and also a great listener. From the women and men of the police department, to our very engaged community, Chief Spiller is going to build trust and keep San Rafael moving forward,” said City Manager Jim Schutz.
A 30-plus year veteran of the police service, Chief Spiller holds an associate’s degree in Administration of Justice from De Anza College in Cupertino, a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Behavior from the University of San Francisco as well as a master’s degree from Saint Mary’s College in Public Sector Leadership. Chief Spiller is also a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police through the Police Executive Research Forum and he is a graduate of the California POST Command College.
“I am excited to be a part of this amazing San Rafael city organization! I genuinely look forward to lending my experience to San Rafael and working with a team of committed public service professionals,” said Chief Spiller. “San Rafael is a wonderful, supportive community and I am eager to be a part of this very special place.”
“Every community is unique and Chief Spiller is just the person to work closely with our residents to continue to ensure that our police department reflects our community values,” said Mayor Kate Colin.
Former San Rafael Police Chief Diana Bishop has known Spiller for a number of years. “He is thoughtful, professional, and a progressive thinker. The San Rafael community will be fortunate to have Chief Spiller leading its police department. The department is in great hands,” she said.
The nationwide recruitment was conducted by executive search firm Bob Murray & Associates. Spiller’s starting salary will be $16,152 per month.