Ventura Police Chief Darin Schindler with the Holiday Patrol Team as he prepares to retire on December 28 after 36 years of service.
After a distinguished 36-year career in law enforcement, including 30 years with the Ventura Police Department, Police Chief Darin Schindler will retire on December 28, 2024. Chief Schindler’s tenure is marked by his unwavering commitment to community trust, transparency, and public safety.
“Serving Ventura has been more than just a career—it’s been a privilege and a personal honor,” shared Chief Schindler. “I’m deeply grateful for the relationships I’ve built with residents, business owners, and local leaders, and for the opportunity to work alongside the extraordinary officers and staff of the Ventura Police Department. Ventura has been my home, and I’ll always cherish the collective efforts to make it a safer, stronger community.”
A Ventura County native, Schindler began his career in 1989 with the Port Hueneme Police Department before joining Ventura Police in 1995. Over the years, he has served in every rank, with assignments spanning Major Crimes, countywide narcotics, and Patrol Operations. As a sergeant, he led the Traffic Unit and later Professional Standards and Training. His leadership as Police Commander included overseeing Detectives, Records, and the implementation of body-worn cameras. Promoted to Assistant Police Chief, Schindler managed departmental operations before being appointed Chief of Police in April 2020.
As Chief, Schindler prioritized community engagement, crime prevention, and officer well-being. His initiatives include:
- Mental Health Wellness Program: Introducing annual mental health check-ins and adding Ventura’s first therapy dog, Asher, to support officers and community members.
- Youth and Community Programs: Launching the Police Explorer Program for high school students and reviving the Public Safety Community Block Party, a beloved event dormant for 20 years.
- Technological Advancements: Spearheading body-worn camera implementation and modernizing departmental operations.
“Chief Schindler’s leadership has left an indelible mark on Ventura,” said City Manager Bill Ayub. “His dedication to building strong relationships, fostering a culture of integrity, and enhancing public safety has made Ventura a safer and stronger community. We are deeply grateful for his service.”
Chief Schindler’s professional development includes an Executive Certificate from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), an Executive Development Certificate from the California Police Chiefs Association, and degrees in Criminal Justice Management and Business Administration. He has chaired the Ventura County Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee and is a graduate of California POST Command College and the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Policing.
Recruitment for Ventura’s Next Police Chief
The City is conducting a nationwide search for Chief Schindler’s successor, facilitated by Bob Murray & Associates. Applications are due December 15, 2024, at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Jobs.
The public is invited to provide input on the recruitment process. An online survey is available through December 15 at www.surveymonkey.com/r/QPHXVJJ.
For more information about the Ventura Police Department, visit www.VenturaPD.org.
