"In a statement, police announced that Assistant Chief Timothy Simmons will take over for outgoing Police Chief Bisa French. Simmons' first day will be Jan. 17, 2026. Simmons was recognized formally Tuesday night at a Richmond City Council meeting. We look forward to his leadership, as we continue strengthening trust, transparency and public safety for all who live, work and visit Richmond, police wrote in their statement."
"She was appointed the department's chief on July 16, 2020, making her the first woman and black police chief in the department's 120-year history. Her time leading the department was most notable for the reduction in homicides. The city has recorded 23 homicides since the start of 2023. By comparison, there were 21 in the calendar year of 2015. French also advanced programs on transparency, training and community engagement."
Assistant Chief Timothy Simmons will become chief of the Richmond Police Department on Jan. 17, 2026, succeeding retiring Chief Bisa French. Simmons is a 17-year department veteran who has served as officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and assistant chief. He led the Community Safety Academy and Reimaging Public Safety task force and participated in community engagement efforts. French retired after serving as chief since July 16, 2020, and was the department's first woman and Black chief in its 120-year history. Her tenure saw advances in transparency, training, community engagement and a notable reduction in homicides. Officials expressed intent to strengthen trust, transparency and public safety.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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