The Chief of Police is responsible for professional and administrative work in planning, organizing, and directing all activities of the Mentor Police Department. The Chief works directly under the administrative direction of the City Manager / Safety Director, and along with the other city department heads, is intimately involved in the operation of the City of Mentor.

The Chief is at the head of the organizational chart, and has three division captains reporting to him. He also has direct supervision over internal affairs, Victim’s Assistance and the Police Chaplains.

Kevin Knight was sworn in as Mentor’s newest Chief of Police on January 4, 2013. He has been a member of the Mentor Police Department since 1981. During his employment, he has served as a patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain in charge of operations and administration. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Administration of Justice from Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Mo. He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy.