Rick has been a member of the Sacramento Police Department for 28 years, and a Deputy Chief since 2002. He is a second generation police officer with his father Dick serving the Department for over 20 years.

Rick’s current assignment is Chief of the Office of Operations and the Office of Investigations. Prior Deputy Chief assignments include the Office of Technical Services, and the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. He consults and instructs for Humboldt State University in Teambuilding, Communication Skills, and Leadership.

Rick is co-author of the book titled COP Talk: Essential Communication Skills for Community Policing. He is also a nationally-recognized instructor on the topic.

He received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Communication from California State University, Sacramento. Rick was also alumni of the year for California State University, Sacramento.

In 2006, Rick received a Master of Arts in Security Studies (Homeland Security and Defense) from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.

Rick is also a 2002 graduate and class spokesperson of the California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Command College; and 2004 graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s (P.E.R.F.) Senior Management Institute for Police.

Rick has received numerous letters of commendation, as well as the Silver Medal of Valor in 1988; Distinguished Service Award in 2001; and a Unit Citation in 2002.

Rick competes in marathons and triathlons including the Ironman Triathlon World Championships held in Hawaii.

Local News References

Sacramento Bee - New police chief pledges an open era
KCRA 3 - Braziel Named Sacramento Police Chief