Pleasant Hill Appoints Police Chief

PLEASANT HILL, CA — Bryan Hill has been appointed the city of Pleasant Hill's chief of police. City Manager June Catalano's appointment of Hill as the city's top cop comes after Hill has served as interim chief for three months.

“I am delighted in making the announcement that Bryan Hill will take over as our new chief of police,” said Catalano stated in a news relaease. “Since coming to the city, Bryan has demonstrated exemplary and effective leadership as police captain and as interim police chief. He is an excellent communicator, and is highly respected by the city staff and elected officials, and by the community.”

Hill brings 26 years of law enforcement to the position that entails overseeing a department of 42 sworn police officers — including six sergeants and two lieutenants — and 15 civilian personnel.

The chief's focus will be on "providing the highest level public safety and ensuring an outstanding quality of life that allows residents and visitors to feel safe in our community," city officials said in a news release.

Hill will do this by "maintaining and building community partnerships, utilizing best law enforcement practices, and employing the latest in innovations, technology and strategic approaches to provide the community with a law enforcement service that is exceptional," according to the news release.

Catalano said Hill is "committed to a robust community policing program to enhance public safety for residents and businesses in Pleasant Hill."

About Chief Bryan Hill

Previously, Hill served with the Antioch and Walnut Creek police departments in roles including: patrol officer, detective, field training officer, defensive tactics instructor and SWAT team member.

In 2002, the Walnut Creek Police Department promoted to Hill to the rank of sergeant, during which time he worked in the patrol and investigation divisions and was a SWAT team leader.

In 2009, Hill was promoted to a lieutenant for the Walnut Creek Police Department, serving as a patrol watch commander, administrative lieutenant and lieutenant in charge of special operations. Hill was instrumental in the formation of the Central County SWAT Team and later became the team’s commander.

In July 2015, Hill was hired as a captain for the Pleasant Hill Police Department, a role in which he helped oversee overall operations of the department.

Hill is credited with helping develop the Contra Costa/Alameda Inner Perspectives Leadership Program for line-level police officers. He has also served for the California Peace Officers’ Association as a state board member and regional chairperson.

Hill has a bachelor’s degree in social science and earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership. He graduated from the FBI National Academy.

Hill has been married to his wife, Kristy, for 26 years. The couple has four children ranging in age from 8 to 25 years old. He enjoys spending time with his family and outdoor activities such as snowboarding, surfing and mountain biking.

Photo courtesy city of Pleasant Hill