Chief Kathryn Nance is the 21st Chief of Police for the Reno Police Department. She began her career in law enforcement in 1996 with the Stockton Police Department. During her career, she rose to the rank of Deputy Chief before being selected as Reno’s Chief of Police, in February 2023.
Kathryn Nance was a 25-year veteran of the Stockton Police Department. In 2020, she promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief. In this position, she oversaw the Logistics Bureau, and Operations, which included Administrative Services, Technical Services, Fiscal Affairs, Planning, Patrol, and Investigations. Additionally, she oversaw the department’s budget of $53 million, the department’s significant involvement in the citywide Employee Resource Planning (ERP) project, the migration to the Tyler Munis system, and the department’s response to information releases, public records requests, and closely involved with intelligence and data-led policing and Operation Ceasefire.
Promoted to Captain in 2019, she commanded the Special Operations Division, overseeing the Traffic Section, homelessness response, community engagement, Neighborhood Services, and the Strategic Community Officers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she managed the department’s COVID response to the community and businesses. Kathryn collaborated with other city departments to ensure the most up-to-date information was distributed, and developed the department’s response plan to compliance.
While rising through the ranks, Kathryn focused on investigating major crimes, primarily homicides and gang violence, and serving as the department expert for gang and group violence, search warrants, and electronic surveillance investigations. As a Lieutenant, Kathryn worked in conjunction with other city departments and community stakeholders to develop the city’s cannabis policy, including an equitable workforce component. She oversaw the department’s Task Forces, working in partnership with local jurisdictions and other state and federal law enforcement agencies.
After her promotion to Sergeant, Kathryn was selected to supervise the newly created Community Response Team. During her time on the team, she integrated Procedural Justice into the team’s daily interactions with the community while working on violence reduction strategies. In addition, she led other proactive teams such as the Gang Street Enforcement Team and the Community Corrections Partnership Task Force.
As an Officer, Kathryn worked as the lead investigator in the Gang Violence Suppression, Robbery-Homicide Units, and as a Field Training Officer.
Chief Nance has made transparency and community involvement her priority throughout her career. Kathryn’s bond to Reno and the community as a whole is at the forefront of her decisions and how she leads as the Chief of the Reno Police Department. Kathryn and her husband, James, have a blended family with four adult children, and their grandchildren. They love the Reno area and being integrated with the community.
Assistant Chief Oliver Miller began his career in law enforcement with the Sparks Police Department in 2000. In 2003, he was selected for lateral hire with the Reno Police Department. Miller has worked in a variety of assignments to include; Patrol, Regional Gang Unit (RGU), Detectives Division in the Family Crimes and Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Units. His collateral responsibilities included the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team Commander, Canine Unit Commander, Honor Guard Team Commander and the Critical Incident Negotiator Team (CINT) Sergeant.
Miller is a California native and moved to the Truckee Meadows community in 1980. In 1995, he enlisted in the Nevada Air National Guard and was assigned to the 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron. After being selected for officer candidate school in 2008, he served as the Equal Opportunity Director for the Nevada Air National Guard until his retirement in early 2015.
When Miller is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family. As a thirty-five year resident of the Reno/Sparks community, he understands the value and importance of building community trust and partnerships.
Professional Biography: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno (2000), Master of Arts, Education, University of Nevada, Reno (2007), Academy of Military Science AMS, McGhee Tyson AFB, Tenn. (2009), Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute DEOMI, EOA Course, Patrick AFB, Fla. (2012), Leadership Reno Sparks (2014).
Assistant Chief Chris Jacobson began his career in law enforcement in 1989 with the Lodi Police Department. During his career, he rose to the rank of Captain before retiring in 2018. In 2024, he was hired as an Assistant Chief with the Reno Police Department. Chris spent nearly 30 years with the Lodi Police Department. In 2015, he promoted to the rank of Captain where he oversaw the Support Services Division of the department which included General Investigations, Special Investigations, Animal Services, the Lodi City Jail, Dispatch, Property and Evidence, and Records. He was fortunate to work many different assignments during his career including Canine, Narcotics, Corporal/FTO, Department Training Manager, Backgrounds, SWAT, and Motors. As a Lieutenant he was the SWAT Commander, Canine Unit Commander and the Traffic Division Commander. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Management from St. Mary’s College of California, attended the Senior Management Institute for Police in Boston, MA, and the West Point/Los Angeles Police Department Leadership Program. When Chris isn’t working, he enjoys being at home with his wife, daughter and son. He volunteers his time supporting the LOEL Senior Center in Lodi, Operation Enduring Warrior and coaching his son’s flag football team.
Captain Robert Larson embarked on his law enforcement journey in 2000, joining the Reno Police Department after two years with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. His unwavering dedication has fueled a distinguished career marked by versatile leadership, overseeing units such as Detectives, Regional Officer Involved Shooting team, Internal Affairs, Northern Nevada Regional Intelligence Center, Traffic Section, Special Events, Regional Crime Suppression Unit, and the Police Training program. Captain Larson's educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and he is pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Virginia. Captain Larson exemplifies a commitment to academic excellence. He has completed the FBI’s National Academy session 287 and the Senior Management Institute for Police in Boston, MA, showcasing his dedication to professional development. A 4th generation Reno-ite deeply rooted in the community, Captain Larson values family, enjoys spending time outdoors and embraces the Northern Nevada lifestyle. His vision for policing excellence aligns with collaborative community partnerships, embodying values of Respect, Integrity, Fairness, and Service. As a beacon of leadership in the Reno Police Department, Captain Robert Larson stands committed to upholding these principles of procedural justice and the well-being of the community he serves.
Captain Daniel Bond began his career with the Reno Police Department in 2005. He has served in, supervised, or managed numerous aspects of the Reno Police Department. Including Patrol, Training, Traffic Safety, Downtown Enforcement Team, Special Events, Community Action and Outreach, and the Consolidated Law Enforcement All-hazards Response (CLEAR) Team. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration. As a native Nevadan, he enjoys taking advantage of the great outdoor recreation our region has to offer with his wife and children. He is devoted to serving our community and the Reno Police Department.
Captain Anthony Elges is a 26-year professional who started his career with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office before joining the Reno Police Department in 2003. Starting his career as a patrol officer, Captain Elges quickly demonstrated his leadership potential, earning promotions to higher ranks through his dedication and performance. His ability to lead by example, coupled with his strong communication skills and strategic mindset, earned him increasingly responsible positions within the department. Captain Elges is an advocate for training and professional development, recognizing the importance of equipping officers with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles. Captain Elges has earned a bachelor's degree in business management and a master's degree in management leadership. During his tenure, Captain Elges has had the privilege of working as a training officer, narcotic detective, Downtown Enforcement Team supervisor, Regional Narcotic Team supervisor, and Lieutenant of the Detective Division. Outside of his duties as a captain, Anthony enjoys spending time with his family while traveling and engaging in outdoor activities. He remains dedicated to making a positive impact in his community and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its residents.
Captain Jerel Hallert began his career with the Reno Police Department in 2008 after serving as a secondary education teacher in San Jose, California. Hallert has worked in various assignments, including Patrol, Downtown Enforcement Team, Training, and the Regional Crime Suppression Unit. Hallert has supervised a multitude of the department's assignments, including Patrol, Downtown Enforcement Team, Training, and the Regional Gang Unit. Hallert was raised in Northern Nevada and has a deep love for the region. Captain Hallert is a subject matter expert in the field of first responder wellness and police oriented jiu jitsu (PJJ). Hallert is speaker for the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) on wellness and has trained first responders in over 100 agencies in PJJ. Hallert holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology from the University of Nevada Reno. When Hallert is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children, traveling, training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and attending his children’s sporting events. Captain Hallert is devoted to ensuring procedural justice as the cornerstone of his decision making and dedicating the Reno Police Department’s service to the community with honor, compassion, and respect for all individuals.