Chief of Police—Jeff Atkinson 

Chief of Police Jeff Atkinson was born and raised in Lassen County. He began his law enforcement career with the Lassen County Sheriff’s Department in 1989. He began employment with the Susanville Police Department in 1992 and was appointed Chief of Police in February 2007. He is a graduate of the 223rd Session of the F.B.I. National Academy.  

Police Captain—Tom Downing  

Police Captain Tom Downing has been a resident of Susanville since 1986, graduating from Lassen High School.  Captain Downing holds an Associate's degree from Lassen Community College in Administration of Justice and a Bachlor's degree from Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management.  Captain 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 Police Officer.  He was promoted to Sergeant in 2001, and to his current rank of Police Captain in 2007.  During his tenure with the Susanville Police Department, Captain Downing has worked in patrol, the traffic unit, and the narcotics task force.  Currently Captain Downing commands the administrative and operations divisions within the department.  Captain Downing is married and has 4 children.