The City of Banning has hired a longtime veteran of its police department to serve as chief of police. Lieutenant Vincent Avila assumed the role Wednesday.
“Chief Avila was selected following an extensive internal process, which involved an external law enforcement panel, internal panel, community input and input from the Banning Police Officers Association,” the city said.
Avila joined Banning PD in 2006. He has spent his entire law enforcement career in the Riverside County city. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership from California Coast University. He is also a POST Management Certificate holder and a graduate of the Drucker Executive Leadership Institute course.
Avila takes the reins from Acting Police Chief Derek Thesier. He stepped into the role after the city’s last chief, Matt Hamner, was diagnosed with a permanent medical disability.