City Manager Announces Recruitment Process for Police Chief

Long Beach, CA –  City Manager Tom Modica today announced the process for selecting a new leader of the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) since Chief Robert G. Luna announced last month that he will be retiring in December 2021. 

The City Manager plans to conduct a recruitment process that will allow for well-qualified candidates both internally and externally. Eligibility will include: all current and former LBPD personnel holding the rank of commander and above; and chiefs and assistant/deputy chiefs from other jurisdictions, with a strong preference for those who have experience working in California. A job brochure has been published with more details.

“I’m looking forward to selecting a new Chief who will take our Police Department to the next level, meeting the public safety needs of our diverse community and embracing transparency, modern policing, and community partnership,” Modica said. “We have a strong internal talent pool, and as a major California city, I’m sure we will get interest from leaders with major credentials from across the State and Country.”

The City will also be inviting the Long Beach community to tell the City Manager what they want to see in their next Police Chief. During the week of October 11, the City will ask the community to take part in a survey, available online and in hard-copy format at Long Beach Public Library branches. Further details will be announced upon the launch of the survey. Survey responses will help guide the City’s selection process of the new Police Chief.  The recruitment process is expected to be finalized by December of this year and a new Police Chief announced prior to the beginning of the new year. Candidates will undergo a multi-step screening and interview process with Human Resources, a community panel, a technical panel, City department directors and ultimate selection by the City Manager.