Tom Chaplin
Chief of Police (Retired), Walnut Creek Police Department
& Course Instructor
Thomas Chaplin is a thirty-one-year law enforcement professional. He served as the Police Chief for the city of Walnut Creek from July 2013 until his retirement in October 2021. Prior to his appointment, he served with the Citrus Heights CHPD, where he was a lieutenant in the Patrol Division and the Investigative Services Division. He also served as commander in the Patrol Division and Investigative Services Division. In addition to being a member of the department’s start up team, he spent nine months in the role of deputy chief of police.
Chief Chaplin spent five years with California Department of Justice, where he was assigned as special agent on the Sexual Predator Apprehension Team, California Bureau of Investigation, Sacramento Regional Office; special agent supervisor for the Investigative Support Team – California Attorney General’s Office – Northern California; and special agent in charge for the Mission Support Branch, overseeing the Professional Standards Group (IA), Background Investigations Unit, and Litigation Unit.
Chief Chaplin started his law enforcement career with the Sacramento Police Department (SPD). He served as a community services officer, a patrol officer, field training officer, neighborhood police officer and detective. He was instructor at the police academy for the LD-12: Controlled Substances.
Chief Chaplin incorporated and served as president of the Citrus Heights Police Activities League. He served as a Governor appointed Commissioner for the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (2016-2019). He was on the board of directors for the California Police Chiefs Association (2013-2020), where he served as chair of the Training Committee. He served as chair of the Contra Costa County Police Chiefs Association (2020). He is an Executive Fellow for the National Police Foundation.
He serves as adjunct faculty for the University of San Diego and National University. He has developed courses for the CPCA to include Advanced Role of the Police Chief and Partnering for Success – A Course for Seconds in Command. He provides instruction for both. He is the course coordinator for the POST Executive Development Course. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Studies and a master’s degree in Emergency Services Administration, both from California State University, Long Beach. He is a graduate of the 44th class of the California Command College. He has published an article in the California Journal of Law Enforcement entitled Cybercriminals have Passed Law Enforcement By. Let’s Catch Back Up!
Chief Chaplin has been the recipient of numerous leadership and service awards, including the Joseph Malloy award from the California Police Chiefs Association, a Distinguished Service Ribbon from the CHPD, a Medal of Valor from the Sacramento Police Department, and he was named Special Agent of the year while at DOJ.