Tahoe Station Commander Darrell Steinhauer

Career

Captain Darrell Steinhauer first started with the Placer County Sheriff’s Office in 1992 as a student intern, before becoming a deputy in 1994.  During his time as a deputy, he worked a variety of assignments, including corrections, patrol, and investigations.  As a detective he worked both the Property Crimes and Special Operations Units and has been the lead manager on several initiatives and programs, both within and outside the Sheriff’s Office.  Darrell was a member of the agency’s Honor Guard and Special Enforcement Team (SET) for 17 years, where he finished his tenure as team commander. He was also a less-lethal instructor, developing our agency TASER program.

Promotions

Upon promotion to Sergeant in 2003, Darrell worked corrections and patrol, serving his final assignment as the Administrative Patrol Sergeant. He has also served in every division at the management level.  He promoted to Lieutenant in 2008 and was assigned to the Placer County Superior Courts, where he assisted in final construction and opening of the Santucci Justice Center in West Roseville.  In 2012 Darrell took over the role of South Placer Sub-Station Commander in Loomis.  He promoted to Captain in 2017, where he was assigned to the Support Services Division.  He was re-assigned to the Auburn Jail later that year.  In 2020, Darrell transferred to the North Lake Tahoe Station where he currently oversees Sheriff’s Office operations in the Tahoe basin.

Community

Darrell is active in his community where he coached youth baseball and flag football.  His commitment to both student and athlete safety led to such initiatives as the production of a school lockdown safety video and creation of a “Safety Officer” board position for several local youth sports leagues.   

Among other volunteer interests, Darrell organizes a yearly public safety charity flag football tournament to support the Placer County Law Enforcement Chaplaincy’s important mission of public service to our local communities and public safety agencies.  He currently serves as a board member for both the Placer Sheriff’s Activities League (PSAL) and Placer County Law Enforcement Management Association (PCLEMA).     

Personal

Darrell was raised in Placer County where he graduated from Colfax High School.  He received his master’s degree in Criminal Justice Management from the University of Nevada, Reno and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Darrell is married and a father of two.