Chief Chris Crawforth
Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth was born and raised in Northern Nevada, most of it in Sparks. He graduated from Reed High School, received a Master’s degree in public administration from Columbia Southern University, and a Bachelor’s degree in conservation biology from the University of Nevada
, Reno. Crawforth is also a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP). He has been with the Sparks Police Department since 2004, serving as a Field Training Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Professional Standards Lieutenant, Detective Lieutenant, Deputy Chief, and Chief of Police since 2020. Prior to his employment with Sparks Police, Chief Crawforth was a Game Warden for the State of Arizona.
Chief Crawforth is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), and the Nevada Sheriff’s and Chiefs Association.
“My experience and roles within the Sparks Police Department have given me a good opportunity to see all facets of our department,” said Chief Crawforth.
Chief Crawforth says meeting the needs of the Sparks community, residential outreach, and filling vacancies are his top priorities. He continues to push the Sparks Police Department into new endeavors utilizing the successes of the HOPE team. Sparks Police has implemented the Neighborhood Police Unit to improve communications with apartment complexes, our businesses and our schools.
Implementation of new technologies to improve police efficiency and public safety is a key component to our future growth. We have implemented a gunshot detection system to improve first responder response to victims of gun crimes while improving success in arrest and prosecution of violators. We continue to implement new camera technologies to attain the same objectives.