San Rafael To Swear In New Top Cop

SAN RAFAEL, CA — The San Rafael will swear in the city’s new police chief next week.

David Spiller will take his oath of office at Monday’s City Council meeting. His first day on the job will be Tuesday.

Spiller’s hiring was announced Feb. 10 after a nationwide search, city officials said.

He was hired to replace Diana Bishop, who announced her retirement in August. Bishop, who stepped down in December, had served as San Rafael’s police chief since 2012.

Spiller’s 30-plus year law enforcement career including serving as Pleasanton’s police chief for eight years. He recently served as Menlo Park’s interim police chief.

Spiller began his career as a patrol officer in San Diego and also spent 11 years at the Mountain View Police Department.

"I genuinely look forward to lending my experience to San Rafael and working with a team of committed public service professionals," Spiller said in a news release. "San Rafael is a wonderful, supportive community and I am eager to be a part of this very special place."

San Rafael City Manager Jim Schutz said that Spiller, whose salary will be $16,152 per month in the position, is both a "great communicator and also a great listener."

"From the women and men of the police department, to our very engaged community, Chief Spiller is going to build trust and keep San Rafael moving forward," Schutz said in a news release.

Patch Staffers Eric He and Courtney Teague contributed to this report