San Mateo police chief announces retirement
Susan Manheimer was appointed top cop in 2000
San Mateo’s police chief will retire at the end of the year, the city announced Wednesday.
Susan Manheimer has served as the Peninsula city’s top cop since the spring of 2000. Before she joined the San Mateo Police Department, the Bronx native worked as a lieutenant and captain in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood.
Upon the news of Manheimer’s retirement, San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe reflected on their partnership.
“Chief Susan Manheimer has served both her community and county law enforcement with unmatched leadership and service,” Wagstaffe said in a statement. “The police department has grown to one of the most innovative and community-oriented agencies in California under Susan’s guidance. The very low crime rate in San Mateo is due in substantial part to her work as police chief.”
As chief, Manheimer grew the city’s Police Activities League, aimed at fostering a positive relationship between police and children and initiated the city’s Gang Task Force and Homeless Outreach Team.
Manheimer, a founding member of the Tongan Interfaith Council and a past member of the NAACP Board of Directors, was the first woman to serve as head of the California Police Chiefs Association and the San Mateo County Chiefs and Sheriffs Association.
San Mateo will begin a search for a new chief, a process that is expected to take several months.
“Replacing Chief Manheimer will be no small challenge,” City Manager Drew Corbett said in a statement.
Manheimer said in a statement that she was thankful for the opportunity to fulfill her dream career in San Mateo.
“I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have served with the extraordinary men and women of the San Mateo Police Department who give their all to keep this community safe and promote the quality of life for all its residents,” Manheimer said. “The City of San Mateo, from its leadership, to its wonderful community and dedicated staff who serve them, are second to none!”