Richmond, CA – The City of Richmond and Richmond Police Department announce that Chief Bisa French has formally notified City Manager Shasa Curl of her plans to retire, effective January 16, 2026.
Chief French’s decision to retire comes more than 27 years of dedicated service to the Richmond community and a career defined by leadership, compassion, and progress. Appointed as Chief of Police in 2020, she became the first woman and first African American woman to lead the Richmond Police Department. Her appointment was a historic milestone for both the department and the city.
Since joining the Richmond Police Department in 1998, Chief French served in nearly every rank of the department – officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and assistant chief – before being named chief. Over the course of her career, she has been recognized for strengthening community partnerships, advancing transparency, and modernizing the departments approach to public safety.
Chief French is especially proud of leading Richmond Police Department during a period in which Richmond recorded the lowest homicide rates on record, a reflection on both the department’s hard work and the community’s resilience. She has also overseen initiatives to expand de-escalation training, improve technology, and deepen collaboration with residents and local organizations.
“Serving the City of Richmond has been the honor of my life,” said Chief French. “Leading this department and working alongside the men and women of Richmond Police Department – whose commitment and compassion inspire me every day – has been the highlight of my career. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and proud of what we have accomplished together.”
Chief French provided her retirement notice well in advance to ensure a thoughtful and smooth transition. The City of Richmond will begin the process of selecting the next chief of police in the coming months.
The Richmond Police Department and the City of Richmond thank Chief Bisa French for her more than two decades of service for her historic and lasting contributions to public safety in Richmond.