The Springfield Township Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Niehaus as the new Chief of Police for the Springfield Township Police Department. Chief Niehaus brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the department, having served with distinction for the past 25 years.
Chief Niehaus began his career with the Springfield Township Police Department as a patrol officer and drug investigator. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication, earning recognition as Officer of the Year twice. In 2008, he was promoted to Sergeant, taking on leadership roles as a shift supervisor and Commander of the Drug Abuse Reduction Task Force for four years. He further distinguished himself by overseeing the department's IMPACT Unit from 2013 to 2015 and Criminal Investigations Division from 2015 to 2016.
Chief Niehaus' dedication to excellence continued with his promotion to Lieutenant in 2016. In this role, he played a pivotal role in overseeing the department's successful accreditation process through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. He also served as Patrol Commander for four years before being promoted to Captain in 2021.
Chief Niehaus is a committed leader who continuously strives for professional development. He has completed numerous prestigious programs and certifications, including the FBI Great Lakes Leadership program, the Police Executive Leadership College (PELC), and Certified Law Enforcement Executive (CLEE). Most recently, he graduated from the FBI National Academy, Session #289, where he spent three months honing his skills alongside police executives from across the country.
Chief Niehaus is a strong advocate for community-oriented policing. He actively participates in fostering positive relationships between the police department and the community it serves, while demonstrating his dedication to regional collaboration by serving on the Executive Board for the Hamilton County Police Association. He plays a vital role in overseeing county-wide units, including the SWAT Team, Dive Team, and Honor Guard. Additionally, he serves as the Commander of the county-wide Mobile Field Force Team.
The Springfield Township Board of Trustees is confident that Chief Niehaus' extensive experience, proven leadership, and commitment to community policing will ensure the continued success of the Springfield Township Police Department. The department is dedicated to serving and protecting the community with professionalism, integrity, and respect.