Kevin Braun to Become Next Toledo Police Chief

The assistant chief will officially step into the department's top leadership role on November 1, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Kevin Braun to Become Next Toledo Police Chief

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Kevin Braun is set to become the next Toledo Police Chief, taking over for the retiring Michael Troendle on November 1, 2026. Braun, who joined the force in 2000, has spent 26 years rising through the ranks to his current position as assistant chief.

Why it matters

The leadership change arrives as the department navigates personnel shortages caused by reduced police academy class sizes. The new chief plans to prioritize rebuilding the force toward a target of 650 officers while maintaining annual recruitment classes.

The Toledo Police Department is set to enter 2027 with a force of fewer than 600 officers, falling short of the incoming chief's goal of 650 personnel. Recruitment efforts are currently constrained by budgetary limits placed on past academy class sizes.

The players

Kevin Braun

He is the current Assistant Chief of the Toledo Police Department who will take over as chief following a 26-year career.

Michael Troendle

He is the outgoing Toledo Police Chief who is set to retire from the department in November 2026.

Toledo City Council

This is the legislative body responsible for city governance and the oversight of contracts related to public safety technology.

The details

Kevin Braun will lead the department following a transition period that saw him serve in various leadership roles from sergeant to assistant chief. His administration will also navigate an upcoming legislative shift as the Toledo City Council prepares to vote on whether to terminate the city's contract for Flock license plate reading cameras.

Kevin Braun joined the Toledo police force in 2000.
Michael Troendle will retire as Toledo Police Chief on November 1, 2026.
Kevin Braun assumes the role of police chief on November 1, 2026.
Toledo City Council is scheduled to vote on the Flock camera contract within two weeks of October 24, 2026.
The department will start 2027 with fewer than 600 officers.

Legal Context

The transition in police leadership coincides with a pending legislative decision regarding the use of Flock license plate reading cameras. This vote by the Toledo City Council marks a potential shift in the technological tools available to the department for active investigations.

Residents can expect the new leadership to focus on increasing the number of active patrol officers throughout the city. Additionally, the upcoming City Council vote on license plate readers could change how local law enforcement monitors traffic and gathers evidence.

The takeaway

The incoming police chief faces the dual challenge of expanding the officer force and navigating the expiration of public safety technology contracts. Residents should monitor future city budget meetings for updates on recruitment progress and changes to surveillance policies.