Former Dayton police major is Riverside's new deputy chief

Riverside Police Chief Mark Reiss said Brown was the “clear standout” among five finalists who interviewed for the job.

“The wealth of experience he brings here will be a tremendous asset for the department,” Reiss said.

As operations division commander, Brown will have five sergeants and 18 police officers reporting to him.

“I’ve never lost an interest in police work and interacting with citizens,” said Brown, who retired from the Dayton Police Department in 2008 after 26 years of service.

Brown, who oversaw patrol operations, was suspended for 10 days for shredding a ticket issued during a 2007 traffic stop of Larry Miller Jr., a city hall aide.

At the time, Brown’s attorney said the officers who stopped Miller called the major after learning the motorist worked at City Hall, and asked what they should do. Brown shredded the ticket, according to Brown’s retirement agreement. He agreed to retire in October 2008 as part of a settlement with city officials.

Reiss said he was aware of the situation before Brown was named a finalist for this job. He met with Dayton police and reviewed the internal affairs file.

“What I determined out of that was there was nothing there that, in my opinion, disqualified him from being offered this position,” he said. “I vetted that thing to my satisfaction and the city administration’s satisfaction.”

The city manager hired him at an annual salary of $75,000.

“What I have learned while conducting Mike’s background investigation is that he is a well regarded and highly respected member of the Dayton law enforcement community,” Reiss wrote in an email to area police chiefs. Dayton Police Chief Richard Biehl had no comment.