Richmond, CA - December 2, 2025 — Richmond City Manager Shasa Curl is proud to announce the appointment of Assistant Chief Timothy Simmons as the new Chief of Police for the Richmond Police Department (RPD). His selection follows an extensive recruitment process that included input from key City stakeholders and interview panels comprising a broad cross-section of community members, City staff, and local municipal professionals. Simmons will officially assume the role of Richmond Police Chief on January 17, 2026.
“Simmons brings the experience, vision, and commitment to community-centered policing that will help move Richmond forward,” said City Manager Curl. “We are confident that under Simmons’ leadership, the department will continue strengthening trust, transparency, and public safety alongside RPD staff, Richmond residents, businesses, and community partners to build on current progress and ensure a safe and thriving Richmond for all.”
For the past 17 years, Simmons has served in the Richmond Police Department. He began as a beat officer and advanced through the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and assistant police chief. Throughout his career, he led or participated in several initiatives, including co-facilitating the Community Safety Academy and serving as the Police Department representative to the Richmond Reimagining Public Safety Community Taskforce. In addition, he served in various leadership capacities in the Richmond Police Officers’ Association, Richmond Police Management Association, and currently serves as the Vice President of the IFPTE Local 21 Executive Chapter.
Simmons’ accomplishments include completion of the Peace Officer Standards and Training Command College and graduation from the Senior Management Institute for Police Executive Management. He has also earned a Master of Science in Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego and is an active member of the California Peace Officers Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, California Police Chiefs Association, and California Association of Background Investigators.
“I am honored to serve as Chief of Police for the Richmond Police Department. I look forward to continuing my service to the Richmond community. 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.”
During the December 2, 2025, Richmond City Council meeting, Simmons will be formally introduced as the incoming Chief of Police for the RPD. His appointment comes on the heels of Richmond Police Chief Bisa French’s pending retirement, who has served as Chief since 2020.