THOUSAND OAKS : Sheriff’s Veteran Is Named Police Chief

Cmdr. Kathryn E. Kemp was appointed Thursday as chief of police for Thousand Oaks, charged with safeguarding the city’s low-crime reputation.

A 14-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Kemp replaces Cmdr. William Wade, who will take over the special services division, including the major crimes unit and narcotics team.

Wade was in charge of the East Valley Sheriff’s Station, but Kemp will be responsible solely for Thousand Oaks, which contracts for police services with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. She will supervise the 70 sheriff’s deputies assigned to police Thousand Oaks and will manage the city’s $10-million budget for law enforcement.

Chief Deputy Robert Brooks will take responsibility for the unincorporated areas of eastern Ventura County and will supervise the Sheriff’s Department contract with Moorpark.

“My priority will be ensuring that Thousand Oaks maintains its reputation as the safest city in America,” Kemp said. “We’re right across the road from Los Angeles County, so it’s going to be a full-time job.”

Before accepting the position in Thousand Oaks, Kemp served as the facility manager at the Ventura County Jail, supervising 232 employees and administering an $11.7-million budget. She also managed the major crimes unit for the Sheriff’s Department.

Over her career, Kemp moved steadily through the ranks, working as a patrol officer, investigator, personnel manager and in other assignments. She holds a degree in public administration and is studying for a master’s in organizational management. Kemp will assume her new post Monday and hopes to meet with the City Council and the public this fall.

“She’s extremely competent, very qualified, and I’m sure the city will be extremely happy with her,” Chief Deputy Richard Rodriguez said.

City officials praised Kemp for her experience and public relations skills. But Councilman Frank Schillo warned her to expect a tough task ahead.

“She’s going to be really challenged to make sure we maintain our ranking as No. 1 or 2 on the list of America’s safest cities,” Schillo said. “We need someone here who can really look after the problems we have. I feel confident in her.”