Richmond Assistant Police Chief Timothy Simmons will take over as the department’s new chief next month following the current chief’s pending retirement, city officials confirmed.
Police Chief Bisa French announced in September that she would be retiring effective Jan. 16 after first joining the department in 1998 and becoming chief in 2020.
Richmond City Manager Shasa Curl on Tuesday announced that Simmons has been chosen to replace French following a recruitment process that involved public outreach and community input. He will assume the role of chief Jan. 17.
“Simmons brings the experience, vision, and commitment to community-centered policing that will help move Richmond forward,” Curl said in the announcement. “We are confident that under Simmons’ leadership, the department will continue strengthening trust, transparency, and public safety.”
Simmons has served in the Richmond Police Department for 17 years, starting as a beat officer and advancing through the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant and captain before becoming assistant chief, according to the city.
“As chief, I will remain committed to transparency and collaborative problem-solving, and to leading a department that embraces community-policing principles and reflects the diversity and strength of Richmond,” Simmons said in the city’s announcement.
City officials said Simmons will be formally introduced as the incoming chief at the Richmond City Council meeting set for later Tuesday.