Walnut Creek Police Chief Readies End Of 30-Year Career

WALNUT CREEK, CA — After more than three decades in law enforcement, Walnut Creek Police Chief Jamie Knox will retire on Wednesday, ending a tenure that began in 1995 and included four years in Walnut Creek.

Knox stepped into the role in 2021. Before that, he worked in Novato and San Leandro and holds degrees in Emergency Management and Organizational Leadership, as well as FBI National Academy credentials.

The Walnut Creek Police Department lauded his tenure there, saying that as chief, he oversaw historically low crime rates, expanded staffing, and spearheaded a recruitment campaign that brought in 68 new hires. He prioritized combating organized retail theft through targeted operations and regional partnerships, and championed initiatives like the "30x30" campaign for women in policing. He also championed the adoption of automated license plate reader technology and the revitalization of the Police Cadet Program.

His tenure also emphasized community engagement, officer wellness through the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) program, and modernization efforts, including drones and branding.

“Thank you, Chief Knox, for your leadership, dedication, and the example you have set! We wish you the best in your well-deserved retirement," the department posted on social media.

"Thank you Chief Knox for your dedicated service and ensuring Walnut Creek is one of the safest cities in the state," Mayor Kevin Wilk said in a social media post. "We’ll miss you and look forward to hearing about your next chapter. Vaya con Dios!"

Capt. Ryan Hibbs, who was appointed captain by Knox in 2023, will succeed Knox as the next chief.

Hibbs is a 21-year veteran of law enforcement who began his career at the Susanville Police Department before making a lateral move to the Napa Police Department. Since joining the Walnut Creek Police Department in 2009, he has been a patrol officer, defensive tactics instructor, and field training officer. He was assigned to the Community and Downtown Policing Team and has been a member of the Crime Scene Investigations Team.

Hibbs holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from National University, an Associate of Justice degree from Lassen Community College, and is completing a graduate degree in negotiations, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding at California State University, Dominguez Hills.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to be selected as the next police chief for the Walnut Creek Police Department," Hibbs said in October. "I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Chief Jamie Knox for his nearly five years of dedicated service to both the department and our community,” Hibbs said. “I am committed to upholding our department’s tradition of integrity and community partnership, strengthening trust with residents, and supporting the women and men who keep Walnut Creek a safe, welcoming, and vibrant place for everyone."

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