We, the members of the Susanville Police Department, are committed to making our community a safe environment for residents and visitors alike. We will enforce the law fairly for all and be respectful of our citizens.

We will base our actions on the principles of our society in that all of our citizens have the right to be safe and secure in their daily lives. We will develop meaningful partnerships with our community to solve problems and address issues which affect the quality of life of our citizens.

A Message from Tom Downing
Chief of Police

Welcome to the Susanville Police Department’s website. We hope that you will find our website informative with current press releases, statistics and general information.

Your police department is made up of a group of dedicated people who take pride in providing quality police services to the residents and visitors of Susanville.  If you have any questions or suggestions don’t hesitate to contact us.

Pride in Service – Service with Pride.

Susanville Police Department
1801 Main Street
Susanville, CA 96130
police@cityofsusanville.org
(530) 257-5603
(530) 257-7366
24 Hour Dispatch: (530) 257-2171
In Case of Emergency Dial 911

The Susanville Police Department has an authorized staff level of 18 employees. Of these, 16 are sworn peace officer positions.

The peace officers include the Chief of Police, a Lieutenant, three Sergeants, a Detective, a Narcotics Officer and nine Patrol Officers. The remaining two are non-sworn, which hold the positions of Community Service Officer and Administrative Assistant.

Command Staff


Police Chief
Tom Downing

Chief Tom Downing has been a resident of Susanville since 1986, graduating from Lassen High School and Lassen College with an A.A. degree in Administration of Justice.

Chief Downing became a Police Explorer, with the Susanville Police Department in 1987.

In 1989, he was hired by the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office as a Correctional Officer.  He worked in this position for approximately 4 ½ years, before being hired by the Susanville Police Department in 1994 as a patrol officer.

He was promoted to Sergeant in 2001, and to Police Captain in 2007.

On May 16, 2012 Chief Downing assumed the role of Chief of Police.

During his tenure with the Susanville Police Department, Chief Downing has worked in patrol, the traffic unit, and the narcotics task force.

Chief Downing is married and has four children.  In his off time, he enjoys water sports, golfing, and coaching youth softball and soccer.

Police Lieutenant
Mathew Wood

Lieutenant Wood’s career in law enforcement began in February of 1993 as a Correctional Officer and later as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff with the Lassen County Sheriff’s Department.

In December of 1996, he was appointed as a full time Police Officer for the City of Susanville.

In April of 2008, he was promoted to Police Sergeant.

In July 2012 Wood was promoted to the position of Lieutenant, filling the second- in-command position within the department.

During his career, Lieutenant Wood was assigned as a Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor and as an agent with the Lassen County Narcotics Task Force.

He earned the Police Officer of the Year award in 2001.

Lieutenant Wood also served as an advisor to the Susanville Police Explorers Program.

A graduate of Lassen High School, Lieutenant Wood earned his A.S. degree in Administration of Justice from Lassen College and is currently finishing his B.S. degree in Criminal Justice Management through Union Institute and University in Sacramento.
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