Redding Police Chief Brian Barner Reinstated

Rex Ballard
2 days ago
5 min read

Updated: 15 hours ago

Lingering Questions and Continued Community Speculation

Chief Brian Barner - photo www.krcrtv.com

Redding Police Chief Brian Barner has been reinstated to his position effective 5 p.m. on January 5, 2026, following a brief administrative leave that began on December 30, 2025. The leave, initiated by Interim City Manager Kari Kibler, required Barner to surrender his badge and service weapon and was officially classified as a "personnel matter." No criminal charges or formal disciplinary actions were announced, and city officials have provided limited details on the resolution process.

When Chief Barner was initially placed on administrative leave, the city offered no further explanation, other than indicating it was a "personnel matter." This caused a good deal of community speculation. Shasta Unfiltered published a report noting that there were persistent social media complaints from one individual (@1fast428) alleging corruption within the Redding Police Department (RPD). Apparently, the original dismissal was unrelated to the allegations raised by @1fast428.

The notice of investigation cited several administrative allegations against Barner, including unauthorized use of a department trailer for personal activities (such as duck hunting), granting "off-the-books" time off to officers with fabricated timecard entries, purchasing personal gifts for staff without approval (e.g., onesies, whiskey glasses, and cutting boards), and donating raffle prizes involving department equipment to a benefit event. These issues centered on ethical and policy violations rather than criminal conduct. Barner met with Kibler on January 5, after which the suspension was rescinded, allowing his immediate return to duties.

City leaders expressed relief at the swift resolution. Mayor Mike Littau posted on Facebook: "There has been a positive development regarding the Redding Police Chief returning to work. It's great to see community appreciation for patience and understanding during potentially sensitive situations." Vice Mayor Paul Dhanuka issued a statement praising Barner's return and thanking Acting Chief Brian Cole for his interim leadership: "I am pleased to see Chief Barner resuming his duties. I’m also thankful to Acting Chief Brian Cole for holding the fort in the interim. Most importantly, I am very proud of and grateful to the entire RPD and all the police officers for serving our public with professionalism and integrity." Council Member Jack Munns noted he was not informed of the allegations prior to the leave but was notified shortly after.

While official statements emphasize a return to normalcy, community discussions have speculated on deeper connections to ongoing departmental issues. Some local reports and social media posts in community groups, such as on Facebook, have suggested the leave might have been tied to the high-profile lawsuit filed by former RPD officer September Wynhoff, who alleges sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination during Barner's tenure. These claims remain unsubstantiated, with no official confirmation linking the administrative action to the Wynhoff case. However, the timing—Barner's reinstatement occurring on the same day as a scheduled court hearing in the Wynhoff matter—has fueled online chatter about potential overlaps in personnel matters or internal reviews.

Barner, a 30-year veteran of the Redding Police Department who assumed the chief role in November 2023, has not issued a public statement on the matter. Acting Chief Cole, who stepped in during the leave, has been commended for maintaining department operations without disruption. As the department moves forward, city officials continue to urge the public to rely on verified information amid swirling rumors.

Footnote: Status of the Wynhoff Litigation

Facebook posts featuring September Wynhoff

The lawsuit filed by former Redding Police Department officer September Wynhoff against the City of Redding and the department (Case No. 24CV-0204924) remains active and unresolved as of January 7, 2026. Initially filed in May 2024 (with some reports noting public disclosure in October 2024), the case alleges sexual harassment, gender discrimination, retaliation, failure to prevent harassment, and wrongful termination. Wynhoff seeks damages estimated between $3 million and $4 million.

Key allegations include pervasive rumors of sexual relationships to advance her career, inappropriate pranks (such as placing an adult-themed DVD in her locker), victim-blaming following a domestic violence incident, bullying over her treatment of community members, and retaliation after arresting a Shasta County Deputy District Attorney for DUI. Wynhoff was terminated in November 2023 and has since joined the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office, where her career has reportedly thrived.

Recent developments indicate ongoing procedural activity. At an October 2025 review hearing, counsel suggested the matter could resolve within 15 days, but no settlement has been confirmed. A tentative ruling from August 2024 continued proceedings to January 5, 2026, in Department 44. Just days ago, the Redding City Council held a closed session to review the suit, underscoring its active status. Upcoming milestones include a settlement conference to be held on May 4, 2026, and a jury trial scheduled for June 16, 2026.

The City of Redding and RPD have not commented publicly on the allegations. Community discussions, including posts in local Facebook groups, continue to highlight the case as emblematic of broader concerns about department culture.