Matt Davis to Lead Davis Police Department
The city of Davis has named local law enforcement veteran Matt Davis as the new police chief.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People
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The city of Davis has officially selected current undersheriff-coroner Matt Davis to serve as its next police chief. Davis is scheduled to begin his new tenure on November 9, 2026.
Why it matters
The appointment fills a leadership vacancy at the top of the Davis Police Department following the earlier 2026 departure of the former chief. This change in command marks a shift in the department as it prepares for new executive oversight.
Matt Davis has served with the Yolo County Sheriff's Office since 2004, marking over two decades of local law enforcement experience. His new appointment officially takes effect on November 9, 2026.
The players
Matt Davis
He is the current undersheriff-coroner who has served at the Yolo County Sheriff's Office since 2004.
Todd Henry
He is the former Davis police chief who now serves as an assistant sheriff in Placer County.
The details
Matt Davis transitions into this role after serving as the undersheriff-coroner. He replaces former Chief Todd Henry, who exited the department earlier in 2026 to take a position as an assistant sheriff in Placer County.
Timeline
Matt Davis began his career with the Yolo County Sheriff's Office in 2004.
Todd Henry left the Davis police department in 2026.
Matt Davis will begin his term as police chief on November 9, 2026.
Market Landscape
The selection follows the established procedural framework outlined in the Davis Municipal Code regarding police department governance. This transition reflects the ongoing efforts to maintain leadership stability within local municipal law enforcement agencies.
Residents can expect a change in executive oversight at the police department starting in November. This leadership shift may influence local policing priorities and administrative policies in the city of Davis.
The takeaway
The appointment of a long-time Yolo County veteran signals a focus on continuity for city law enforcement operations. Residents should watch for upcoming departmental policy shifts once the new chief officially assumes office next month.
What happens next
Matt Davis will officially assume the responsibilities of the police chief on November 9, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local leadership changes, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KCRA.
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