NPA Podcast with Guest Chad Bianco, Sheriff of Riverside County and Candidate for California Governor

On this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Chad Bianco, Sheriff of Riverside County, California—and current candidate for Governor of California.Before the headlines and the statewide campaign, Sheriff Bianco spent 32 years in law enforcement serving the citizens of Southern California. In this wide-ranging conversation, he shares his unexpected path into policing, his leadership of one of the largest sheriff’s offices in the country, and why he believes California is ready for change.Sheriff Bianco didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a cop. In fact, he candidly admits he initially joined for the pay and benefits. But on day one of the academy, something clicked.He describes law enforcement as a calling—guided by faith and a deep commitment to service. Over three decades, he built a career that included:Corrections and patrolNarcotics enforcementInternal Affairs (a role he initially resisted but credits for shaping his leadership)Detective Bureau leadershipOversight of major child exploitation investigationsOne of the most impactful moments of his career came in 2006 when he helped bring Dateline’s To Catch a Predator to Riverside County, resulting in 51 predator arrests over a three-day sting operation and the creation of a lasting countywide task force.Sheriff Bianco argues that:California’s past 20 years of policy have been “pro-criminal” and anti-public safety.Reduced penalties, early releases, and weakened enhancements have increased crime.Public frustration has reached a tipping point—even in traditionally Democratic strongholds like Los Angeles.He emphasizes restoring consequences for criminal behavior while rebuilding public trust in law enforcement.https://biancoforgovernor.comhttps://x.com/ChadBiancohttps://www.facebook.com/SheriffChadBianco