RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - The City of Rancho Cordova has announced the appointment of Shaun Hampton as the new Rancho Cordova Chief of Police, effective March 2026.

Hampton, a Sheriff’s captain with over 25 years of law enforcement experience with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, fills the role to be vacated by current Chief of Police Matthew Tamayo, who will retire in March.

This appointment is significant for Rancho Murieta because, in addition to serving as Rancho Cordova’s chief of police, Hampton also serves as commander of the Sheriff’s Office East Division, based at the Kilgore Police Station in Rancho Cordova.

In 2024, the Sheriff’s Office quietly relocated Rancho Murieta from the Central Division to the East Division, a change that immediately began reducing response times, according to Tamayo’s comments  at a Rancho Murieta community meeting in November 2024.

Hampton is a seasoned law enforcement veteran whose career spans the full range of policing functions, including Corrections, Patrol, Special Enforcement Detail (SWAT), Canine Operations, investigations, patrol supervision, academy instruction, community policing assignments, and public information, as the Sheriff’s Office spokesperson. In addition, he has held positions in the Rancho Cordova Police Department as both a patrol sergeant and patrol lieutenant, giving him firsthand knowledge of the department and the community he will be serving.

“The City of Rancho Cordova is pleased to welcome Shaun Hampton as our new chief of Police,” said City Manager Micah Runner. “His previous experience at RCPD, extensive law enforcement background and commitment to the City of Rancho Cordova make him an outstanding choice to serve our community.”

Hampton’s decades of law enforcement service are grounded in professionalism, accountability, operational excellence and fairness, with a strong emphasis on community partnerships. He is a committed advocate for training and professional development and served as an instructor in firearms, patrol tactics and advanced officer training, as well as a mentor to other law enforcement professionals. Hampton earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute and University.

“I am honored to once again be serving the Rancho Cordova community and to continue fostering community relationships and partnerships to keep all residents safe,” Hampton said.