New Nampa police chief switches to two-captain command structure

Chief Joe Huff said the move to divide the duties of the department's traditional deputy chief role is designed to improve communications, accountability and transparency.

Brad Daniels, who had been deputy chief, is now administrative captain, helping with budgeting and oversight of dispatch and records, according to a Tuesday news release. Curt Shankel has been promoted from sergeant to become captain for operations and sworn officers. Both will report to the chief.

“I have high expectations for these two men," Huff said, adding that the appointments will be effective Jan. 24. "I have every confidence in their abilities. They are respected within the Nampa Police Department and in the community.”

Daniels and Shankel both said in the news release that they look forward to their new assignments.

Huff, who was sworn in Jan. 4, said he still has other decisions to make regarding management and the division of duties, but naming two captains is a major step in that direction. Huff was appointed chief after Craig Kingsbury resigned to take the chief's job in Twin Falls.

He said the two-captain command structure was used effectively under Chief Marshall Brisbin, who headed the department from 1982 to 2000.

Daniels has 26 years in law enforcement, including 21 years at NPD and five years with the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office. He has been deputy chief for three years.

Shankel, most recently school resource officer supervisor, has been with NPD for nearly 18 years and has 20 total years in law enforcement. Along with Huff and another officer, he sued the city in federal court, alleging that department and city leaders ignored policy violations and misconduct they uncovered as part of their duties in internal affairs. The case was settled seven months later for $189,000.

This story was originally published January 19, 2016 at 7:59 PM with the headline "New Nampa police chief switches to two-captain command structure."