The position of “Day Officer” has been filled by Chanel Taliaferro, who started working for the Orinda Police Department two years ago. The new position was created by Orinda in 2024, but recent changes to the requirements led to it being filled.

    Orinda Police Chief Anthony Rossi introduced Taliaferro to the City Council at its July 21 meeting. “Tonight, I am pleased to introduce a new police officer position that represents an important investment in the safety and quality of life of our city,” Rossi told the council. “The position is dedicated to three priorities: supporting our schools, strengthening emergency preparedness, and enhancing partnerships with our business community.” 

    Rossi explained that the officer will serve as a consistent presence at our elementary schools, building positive relationships with students, parents, and local staff while helping to address safety concerns before they become problems. They will also play a leading role in coordinating emergency preparedness efforts by working closely with the city departments, first responders, schools, and community organizations to improve planning, training, and readiness. 

    In addition, this officer will work directly with our local businesses to address crime prevention, improve communication, and foster strong partnerships that help keep our commercial district safe and welcoming. Rossi concluded that “the position reflects our commitment to proactive policing, community engagement, and preparedness. By investing in prevention and collaboration today, we are helping ensure a safer, more resilient community for tomorrow.” 

    Having been welcomed by the city council, Taliaferro said, “I'm excited to be a part of the beginning of this new position that the city has granted us and I'm ready to take on this path wherever it may lead.”

    Taliaferro was appointed a month ago and is still getting her footing but things are going well, she told The Lamorinda Weekly in an interview during the Aug. 4 National Night Out. “I've already attended a few schools that pertain to this position,” she added. 
    The new Day Officer started with Orinda PD in July of 2024. She worked six months on the day shift, and then 18 months on night shift. “I've seen both sides of what comes through Orinda, what type of crime we have in the city, what kind of issues go on with residential areas, business areas, schools and so forth,” she noted, adding, “We're pretty calm.”

    Taliaferro describes the position as “a lot of community engagement, and it’s very important in a small town like Orinda to know your police officers and know your community; knowing who's showing up in case you have an emergency, which is why we put on events like this [National Night Out], which has been implemented for years and years and years throughout the whole country. It's a good way of getting out and getting to know us when we're not going call to call.”

    The Day Officer’s schedule will be flexible. Her hours are 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. four days a week, but her availability is whatever the position requires. She’ll be going to Miramonte football games, making sure everything is safe and secure there. 

    She’ll also be available for public speaking engagements with local organizations, such as the Rotary Club meeting, even if the meetings are in the evening. “I can do that, or, let's say, extra coverage is needed at nighttime for whatever reason, I can flex my schedule and be a resource,” she explained. 

    Before coming to Orinda, Taliaferro worked on county patrol. She worked the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Valley Station, that covers unincorporated areas in Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord and Clayton. “We have over 1.2 million people in our county,” Taliaferro said, “and if I'm correct, we're just over 700 square miles of county.” 

    Taliaferro’s commute is now just 15 minutes. but at the end of the day, it's about 35 or 40 minutes to return home.