Meet Orinda Police Department's New Members

Crime & Safety

Meet Orinda Police Department's New Members Learn more about staff members Sgt. Brian McMillen, Sgt. Kevin Neller, Officer Chris Hamblin and Officer Chanel Taliaferro.

ORINDA, CA — The Orinda Police Department is welcoming four new members .

Learn more below about Sgt. Brian McMillen, Sgt. Kevin Neller, Officer Chris Hamblin and Officer Chanel Taliaferro.

Sgt. Brian McMillen

How long have you been in law enforcement?

Sgt. McMillen: "I have been with the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff for 13 years. My initial assignment was at the Martinez Detention Facility where I served as a Facility Training Officer. In 2015, I transferred to county patrol where I also served as a Field Training Officer. In January 2023, I was selected as the detective for the City of Orinda. I was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in March 2024 and was initially assigned to county patrol before being selected as the Patrol Sergeant for the City of Orinda in July 2024."

What are your goals at the Orinda Police Department?

Sgt. McMillen: "My goal is to ensure our officers provide the citizens of Orinda with an overall sense of safety by building relationships with the community, by maintaining high visibility and proactive patrols, and by ensuring thorough yet efficient investigations."

What are things you enjoy doing in your off time?

Sgt. McMillen: "In my off time, I enjoy playing golf, working out, and being a dad to my 5- and 3-year-old boys."

Sgt. Kevin Neller

How long have you been in law enforcement?

Sgt. Neller: "18 years, all with the Sheriff's Office."

What are your goals at the Orinda Police Department?

Sgt. Neller: "My goals while assigned to Orinda are to form a partnership with the community and provide the best police services possible."

What are things you enjoy doing in your off time?

Sgt. Neller: "In my time off I enjoy coaching youth sports, traveling, and spending time with my family."

Officer Chris Hamblin

How long have you been in law enforcement?

Officer Hamblin: "I started my law enforcement career with Alameda County Sheriff's Office in December of 2015."

What are your goals at the Orinda Police Department?

Officer Hamblin: "A goal I have is to become a field training officer."

What are things you enjoy doing in your off time?

Officer Hamblin: "I have a wife and 3 kids that keep me very busy. My hobbies include watching and playing sports. I like to be active but also enjoy sitting on the couch and watching tv."

Officer Chanel Taliaferro

How long have you been in law enforcement?

Officer Taliaferro: "I have been in law enforcement for 6 years and have been a sworn police officer for almost 4 years."

What are your goals at the Orinda Police Department?

Officer Taliaferro: "My goal while working at the Orinda Police Department is to maintain the safety, security and integrity of the small town that Orinda is. Orinda's citizens are very involved with their community and as a police officer in this small town, I feel it is important to encourage our citizens to maintain a positive working relationship with its police officers. I come to work every day ready to act and deter anyone looking to commit crimes in our city without any waiver or hesitation because I love what I do, especially in the city of Orinda."

What are things you enjoy doing in your off time?

Officer Taliaferro: "In my off time I love to travel to the coastal towns, my favorite is Pismo Beach. I am passionate about my fitness so any form of exercise (the gym, sports like soccer, golf, hiking) is something I incorporate in my daily routine. I also spend as much time with my family and friends as possible!"