UPDATE - May 20: 

Reno City Council unanimously confirmed Corey Solferino as the next Chief of the Reno Police Department during its Wednesday meeting.

Many showed their support for Chief Solferino, but there were some neighbors concerned over the process to appoint him and over the department in general following the termination of the former Police Chief and two Assistant Chiefs.

"The process whereby the number two officer in the sheriff's department became acting chief and now the permanent chief has lacked transparency," said Reno resident Mark Pritchard. "There was no search, no chance for the public to give input. And as far as we, the public know, no criteria by which the gentleman was evaluated."

Pritchard also expressed a need of division between local law enforcement agencies as well as also between federal agencies and asked for the public to be given the chance to give input in the future for decisions such as this.

Chief Solferino was the Undersheriff at the Washoe County Sheriff's Office until he was ratified, following 11 weeks as Acting Chief of Police for the Reno Police Department.

"It's a huge responsibility to be entrusted with this. I've been in leadership positions before but literally having the weight of the city and the council and everybody else. I understand what the responsibility is. And I won't let the community down," said Chief Corey Solferino.

He also said the first thing he wants to accomplish in his position is to balance the budget, especially after listening to the concerns from the public.

City manager Jackie Bryant appointed Solferino last week, and the City Council ratified the decision at Wednesday's meeting.

ORIGINAL STORY - May 12: 

Reno City leaders have appointed Corey Solferino as new Reno Police Chief on Tuesday during an update on the City's ongoing investigation concerning police misconduct allegations.

The Reno City Council will start the formal approval process for Solferino next week and if ratified, he will be sworn in as chief the following meeting and that's also when he will resign from the Washoe County Sheriff's' Office. 

“Over the past nine weeks, Acting Chief Solferino has demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and a deep commitment to the Reno Police Department employees during a period of transition,” said Reno City Manager Jackie Bryant “His leadership has helped ensure the department remains focused on its mission of protecting and serving our community, and I am confident he will continue to guide the department forward with accountability, collaboration, and dedication to public safety.” 

Bryant also announced that now former Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance was terminated, along with two assistant chiefs, Oliver Miller and Anthony Elges. The former employees were at-will, according to the city, which made it possible to terminate them without cause. The other three individuals still employed are not at will, which is why Bryant says they are still employed.

Bryant also clarified that the terminations were not a result of the investigation, and it was due to her coming to the conclusion that the leadership at the police department needed to be changed.

Those let go do not have to participate in the investigation moving forward, but leaders say the investigation will continue regardless. 

In March, Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance, five others were placed on paid administrative leave after the City said it received allegations of "violations of city policy."

In March, Nance and five other officers were placed on paid administrative leave after the City said it received allegations of "violations of city policy."

Solferino, former Washoe County undersheriff, was chosen as part of an Interlocal Agreement with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office to provide the temporary leadership staffing.

“I’m honored by the opportunity to serve as Reno’s next Chief of Police,” said Acting Chief Corey Solferino. “Over the past several weeks, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Reno Police Department and engaging with members of our community. I am committed to continuing the work of strengthening trust, supporting our employees, and ensuring this department remains focused on providing professional, accountable, and responsive public safety services to the residents of Reno.” 

Police services in Reno will continue without interruption.

The City says, "Under Solferino’s leadership, the Reno Police Department will continue to prioritize public safety, transparency, accountability, employee wellness, community engagement, and collaboration with regional public safety partners. His appointment marks an important step forward for the department as it continues its work to serve the residents, businesses, and visitors of Reno with professionalism, integrity, and dedication." 

Nance was selected as Reno Police Chief in February 2023.

(City of Reno contributed to this report.)