Susan Manheimer Email and Phone Number

Chief Susan Manheimer has recently retired after a distinguished 37-year career serving in leadership positions for four diverse police agencies in the SF Bay Area. A sought-after consultant, trainer, & subject matter expert in progressive criminal justice policies & strategies, including crime reduction through public/private partnerships, social & procedural justice & progressive reforms in policing, & executive development. She is a Lead Instructor for the CA POST "Succeeding As a Police Chief" course and is a Strategic Site Liaison for the US DOJ Public Safety Partnerships program, as well as a Strategic Advisor for many research and professional associations. Chief Manheimer recently completed two Interim Police Chief's positions, one for the San Leandro Police Department providing leadership stability & realigning police & community safety partnerships while assisting with the creation of a citizen-led police oversight model. During a 10-month Interim Chief's assignment at the Oakland Police Department she guided the department during the global pandemic amidst a period of significant social unrest and intense demands for policing reforms. Manheimer effectively provided leadership stability while embracing progressive reforms & intervention strategies to combat significant increases in violent crime & improve outcomes. Under her tenure, OPD instituted welcomed changes in policies, practices, & safety initiatives. Manheimer, served 20 years as Chief of the San Mateo Police Department, where she forged effective creative strategies to control crime, build community partnerships & trust, & improve safety and outcomes. A driving force behind several highly effective countywide initiatives including the Countywide Gang Task Force, the Juvenile Assessment and Referral Center, The Tongan Interfaith Council, & the Homeless Outreach Team. During her first 17 years with the San Francisco Police Department, while Commander of the challenging Tenderloin Station, Manheimer forged resourceful coalitions for those at risk & in need through innovative successful programs including "Take Back the Tenderloin," Community on Patrol, & the Homeless Outreach Service Teams. One of the senior tenured Chiefs in the state, Manheimer has been tapped for national, state, & local leadership positions, including the Executive Sessions on Policing at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. The only woman to serve as president of the California Police Chiefs’ Association, she has received many awards for her successes in her community & social justice work.