Reno Police Chief Suspended, Washoe Sheriff to Lead Department

Independent investigation and interlocal agreement aim to maintain public trust during transition.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The recent administrative suspension of Reno's Police Chief and five officers, coupled with the activation of an interlocal agreement with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, highlights a growing trend of increased accountability and external oversight within law enforcement agencies. This situation, stemming from an internal investigation into alleged policy violations, reflects a broader shift towards recognizing the limitations of internal investigations and the need for independent review.

Why it matters

The decision to bring in the Washoe County Sheriff's Office demonstrates a proactive approach to maintaining public trust during a time of crisis. Interlocal agreements allow cities to bolster leadership and ensure continuity of service, which is crucial for rebuilding relationships with the community and addressing the growing public demand for police accountability.

The details

The suspension of the Reno Police Chief and five officers is pending the outcome of an administrative investigation into alleged policy violations. Under the interlocal agreement, Washoe County Sheriff's Office Adjunct Sheriff Corey Solferino has been appointed as the interim Police Chief. This move reflects a broader trend of cities seeking external oversight and expertise to address issues of transparency and impartiality within their law enforcement agencies.

  • The administrative suspension of the Reno Police Chief and five officers occurred recently.
  • The interlocal agreement with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office has been activated in response to the suspension.

The players

Reno Police Department

The municipal law enforcement agency for the city of Reno, Nevada.

Washoe County Sheriff's Office

The county law enforcement agency for Washoe County, Nevada, which has activated an interlocal agreement to provide interim leadership for the Reno Police Department.

Corey Solferino

Adjunct Sheriff of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, who has been appointed as the interim Police Chief for the Reno Police Department.

Hillary Schieve

The Mayor of Reno, who has emphasized the importance of collaboration and public safety in the city's response to the situation.

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What they’re saying

“We must work collaboratively to ensure public safety remains the top priority.”

— Hillary Schieve, Mayor of Reno (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The city has stated it will provide updates on the investigation as legally appropriate, indicating a commitment to transparency while respecting the integrity of the ongoing process.

The takeaway

The Reno situation highlights the growing trend of increased accountability and external oversight within law enforcement agencies, as cities seek to rebuild public trust and address concerns about bias and lack of transparency in internal investigations. This approach, which includes the use of interlocal agreements and independent reviews, reflects a broader shift towards recognizing the limitations of traditional internal affairs divisions and the need for more robust and impartial oversight mechanisms.