4:25 P.M. UPDATE:
An acting police chief has been assigned to the Reno Police Department after Chief Kathryn Nance and five other officers were placed on administrative leave.
Washoe County Undersheriff Corey Solferino will serve as Acting Chief of Police effective immediately, according to a release from the City of Reno.
The assignment came as part of an Interlocal Agreement with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office to provide temporary leadership staffing.
Solferino has served in a variety of leadership roles and has worked closely with regional law enforcement partners, including the Reno Police Department.
He has more than two decades of law enforcement experience.
“I want to express my sincere thanks to Sheriff Balaam and Undersheriff Solferino for stepping up to assist the Reno Police Department during this time,” said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. “Our agencies work closely together year-round, and I know their partnership will help ensure continuity of service and public safety while the administrative investigation moves forward.”
“The City’s priority is ensuring that the Reno Police Department continues to operate effectively and maintain the community’s trust while this administrative investigation proceeds,” said Reno City Manager Jackie Bryant. “This temporary agreement provides experienced leadership and allows the department to remain focused on delivering critical public safety services to Reno residents.”
Police services in Reno will continue without interruption.
After the appointment of Solferino as acting RPD chief, Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam issued a statement which can be read below.
“This morning, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office accepted the City of Reno’s request to assume interim oversight of the Reno Police Department following the placement of Chief Nance on administrative leave.
From this point forward, our focus is clear: protect public safety, maintain security, and ensure all residents of Washoe County experience no interruption in law enforcement and public safety services.
The men and women in uniform who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe deserve our strong support. For the foreseeable future, we will stand behind them in a combined effort to protect the citizens of our community.
I have been in consultation with Governor Lombardo and Las Vegas Metro Sheriff McMahill to ensure this transition is seamless, coordinated, and focused on the continuity of public safety services in Washoe County.
As Sheriff, I look forward to working closely with the mayor and the entire Reno City Council to ensure the City of Reno remains safe and secure during this interim.”
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance is currently on paid administrative leave amid an investigation involving several accusations of potential violations of City policy.
Five other officers were also allegedly involved - they were not identified during Monday's press conference with Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve and City Manager Jackie Bryant.
Bryant said that an acting chief of police will be announced later on Monday.
"It is upsetting to say the least," Bryant said without going into the misconduct accusations. She says she could not offer much information because it could affect due process of law.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office will help fill in the gaps for the time being. Bryant says the acting chief will come from within that department, not from Reno Police. That person will work out of the department's building.
The City requested that the Nevada Department of Public Safety conduct the investigation to ensure an objective and independent review of the matter.
“Public safety and maintaining the trust of our community are our highest priorities,” said Schieve. “When concerns are raised involving leadership in the Reno Police Department, it is our responsibility to address them thoughtfully and transparently while ensuring the safety of our residents.”
Police services in Reno will continue without interruption.
“To ensure operational stability and continuity of leadership within the department, the City of Reno has entered into an Interlocal Agreement with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office” said Bryant. “During this period, the City will retain executive oversight, and the Reno Police Department will continue to operate under its currently established policies and procedures.”
Nance was selected as Reno Police Chief in February 2023.
Reporter Jaden Urban was also at the press conference and will have more details on today's newscasts.
