In 1991, Chief Kneer began his career with LASD. He worked in custody for six years before transferring to East Los Angeles Station as a patrol deputy and then to Lancaster station as a Field Training Officer. He worked as an FTO until 2004 when he promoted to the rank of Detective and remained at Lancaster station as a night detective.
Chief Kneer promoted to Sergeant in 2006 and served at North County Correctional Facility as a watch sergeant and building sergeant, and Palmdale station as a watch sergeant and field sergeant. In 2009, he became an Executive Aide at Custody Division Headquarters and served in that capacity for one year before promoting once again.
When he promoted to lieutenant, Chief Kneer transferred to Mira Loma Detention Center for one year and then returned to Palmdale station, serving as the Watch Commander and Operations Lieutenant.
Chief Kneer returned to Headquarters as an Executive Aide for North Patrol Division, where he remained until his promotion to the rank of Captain in 2016. At that time, he returned once more to Palmdale station.
In 2018, he promoted to the rank of Chief, overseeing North Patrol Division. He was responsible for five patrol stations in the northern region of the County, including Lancaster, Malibu/Lost Hills, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, and West Hollywood/Universal Citywalk. He also served briefly as the Sheriff’s Chief of Staff before returning to North Patrol Division.
Throughout his career, Chief Kneer has been involved in such community outreach programs as the Antelope Valley Cares Teen Summit and Community Advisory Committee. He has hosted multiple “Coffee with a Cop” functions and has assisted in the planning of National Night Out events in the city of Palmdale.
Chief Kneer has an associate degree from College of the Canyons, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of La Verne and a master’s degree in public administration from National University. He is also a graduate of the University of Southern California’s Executive Development Leadership Program and the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute of Police.
Chief Kneer is also a Sertoma Member in Leona Valley, where he resides with his wife and two teenage sons. When he is off duty, he enjoys running, reading, and boating on the Colorado River.
