San Mateo Police Chief Susan Manheimer To Retire

SAN MATEO, CA -- The city's top cop has announced she will retire at the end of 2019, concluding a law enforcement career that spans more than three decades.

Susan Manheimer’s appointment as San Mateo’s Chief of Police in May 2000 ushered in an era of modernization and created an enduring model of community policing, according to city officials. Under her leadership the San Mateo Police Department earned national acclaim for innovative crime prevention, juvenile, and homeless outreach programs that have been widely adopted throughout the country.

“Chief Manheimer's leadership has been transformational, not only for the San Mateo Police Department, but for the County as a whole, San Mateo County Manager Mike Callagy, the City’s former Deputy Police Chief, said. "As the Chief retires, her leadership throughout San Mateo County will be greatly missed, but her legacy will live on through those who served under her as well as those in the numerous organizations that she lent her time, talent and expertise to.”

Manheimer came to San Mateo after a career with the San Francisco Police Department where she
rose through the ranks and was chosen to serve as both a Lieutenant and Captain in the Tenderloin – the city’s toughest command. She was a role model and mentor to many aspiring woman police officers who followed her path to significant leadership roles.

Chief Manheimer’s passion for keeping youth out of the juvenile justice system and on track is embodied in the establishment of San Mateo’s comprehensive Youth Services Bureau. Dedicated to juvenile crime prevention, the bureau supports local youth through school resource officers, gang suppression, contemporary diversion programs and the PAL and Police Cadet Programs.

Her stewardship of the famed San Mateo Police Activities League has seen it evolve into a broad-based service agency. PAL builds the bond between cops and kids while enhancing the lives of thousands of our local youth and their families through sports, cultural, and education programs including a highly-effective gang resistance program for every sixth grader.

“The Chief leaves a remarkable and enduring legacy in this city, and few people realize how many young lives at risk have been redirected onto a positive track during her tenure,” noted Deputy Mayor Maureen Freschet, who is also a PAL Board Member.

Manheimer also kept a high profile on the state and national stage where she has influenced law enforcement policy and practice. She was the first woman to serve as president of the California Police Chiefs Association, as well as the San Mateo County Chiefs and Sheriffs Association. She also serves on numerous state, national and international boards focused on 21st Century best practices in policing and community engagement.

Born in the Bronx, Manheimer was always driven to serve her community and was steeped in the tradition of public service at the knee of her father who served as a City Councilman.

“Ever since I was a young girl I saw the police as our heroes and have wanted to serve in this noble profession alongside our men and women in blue who risk their lives every day to help those in need and enhance the quality of life and safety in our communities,” Manheimer said.

While pursuing her storied climb in law enforcement, Manheimer managed to earn her BA and MBA degrees while raising two children – local attorney Sarah Burdick, and her son Major Jesse Burdick, who is currently serving in the U.S. Marines. When asked, she proclaimed these two as her greatest achievement in life.

“Chief Manheimer served the City of San Mateo with distinction and then some. She is the consummate law enforcement professional, whose effectiveness is anchored by a boundless humanity she generously shared with every single person she encountered," San Mateo Mayor Diane Papan said. "She has left an indelible imprint on the safety of our city with her innovative ways of promoting a strong connection between the public and our police department.”

The City said it plans a nationwide search for a new police chief. The selection process is expected to take several months and will include extensive community outreach and input.