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Richmond Police Chief Bisa French announced Thursday she will retire next January, ending a 27-year career with the department marked by historic firsts and a focus on community engagement.
French, who joined the Richmond Police Department in 1998, made history in 2020 when she became the first woman and the first African American woman to lead the agency. She rose through the ranks serving as officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and assistant chief before she was appointed chief.
“Serving the City of Richmond has been the honor of my life,” French said in a statement. “Leading this department and working alongside the men and women of RPD 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.”
During her tenure, Richmond recorded the lowest homicide rates in its history, which French said reflected the hard work of the department and the resilience of the community.
Richmond sees lowest number of homicides in decades in 2023
Richmond ended the year with the lowest homicide rate police could find on record, said Assistant Police Chief Tim Simmons during a report at the Community Police Review Commission Wednesday night. The drop mirrors a nationwide trend of declining homicide rates. “Eight was our official number,” Simmons said. “We have
Soren Hemmila
She also oversaw efforts to expand de-escalation training, improve technology and deepen collaboration with residents and local organizations.
Crime Prevention Manager Michelle Milam said French’s retirement marks a pivotal moment for the department.
“No one can fill her shoes, because they are hers,” Milam said. “She has served during an incredibly difficult and critical period of time during our department's history.”
Milam, who has worked through three different chiefs, said French’s expectations for the department’s future were clear when she shared her decision with staff earlier Thursday.
“She expects that we will continue to move forward and make this organization the best that it can be,” Milam said. “We do have talent, and we have a staff that is ready to continue to lead.”
French provided her retirement notice well in advance to ensure what the city described as a thoughtful and smooth transition. The City of Richmond said it will begin the process of selecting the next chief of police in the coming months, with the goal of having a new leader in place before her departure.
Richmond Police Department launches Cultural Competency Training Program
Richmond Police Department launched its new in-depth Cultural Competency training Wednesday by hosting an inaugural session that included members of the police department, city council, and the parents of Pedie Perez, who was killed by a Richmond Police officer. The goal of the Cultural Competency training is to ensure that
Linda Hemmila
The city and the Richmond Police Department thanked French for her more than two decades of service and for what they described as her historic and lasting contributions to public safety in Richmond.
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