The police chief for the City of Redding is on leave, and his sudden departure is prompting calls for answers.
On Dec. 30, the City announced without explanation that Police Chief Brian Barner would be on leave. Capt. Brian Cole was appointed acting chief, the Redding Record Searchlight reported.
On New Year’s Day, Redding Mayor Mike Littau said in a social media post that he’s hearing a lot of concerns from the community over the decision, and he’s trying to gather more information.
Vice Mayor Paul Dhanuka was also working to get answers. On social media, he said he was surprised by the announcement. He’s requested an “emergency” city council meeting to be held as soon as possible.
Barner has been with the Redding Police Department for 29 years. He grew up in Redding and was hired as a recruit officer in 1997. He was appointed police chief in 2023.
NSPR reached out to the City for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
