Randy Hopkins to become new police chief for Marina Police

MARINA, Calif. (KION-TV)- Marina City Manager Layne Long announced on Wednesday afternoon that Randy Hopkins will become the next police chief for the Marina Police Department.

Hopkins will be coming from Kansas City where he worked for the Kansas City Police Department for over 25 years and left as deputy chief in 2015.

Hopkins moved to Rockhurst University where he served as the Chief of Public Safety for eight years.

"The dedicated men and women of the Marina Police Department are performing
exceptionally well, and I am honored and committed to building upon the leadership
that Chief Russo has provided,” said Hopkins.

Hopkins will take over for current interim chief Steve Russo who took over for former Chief Tina Nieto who was elected Monterey County Sheriff in November 2022.

Long said that Hopkins brings experience which is what the city wanted in finding a permanent chief.

"Randy’s passion for public service and decades of experience as a leader will be invaluable for continuing the strong relationships and trust our Police Department has built with our community," Long said.

According to Long, Marina Police currently has 29 officers and 10 staff members.

Hopkins will be officially sworn-in on Feb. 6 at the Marina City Council Chambers at 5 p.m.