Richmond police chief to host town hall on recent spate of violence

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Chief Bisa French, the first woman and also the first woman of color to lead the Richmond Police Department, announced she will retire effective Dec. 1, 2025, concluding a 26-year career during which she rose up the ranks. Chief French began her tenure with the department in 1998 as a police officer. Over the years, she served as a sergeant, lieutenant, captain and deputy chief. She was appointed as police chief in 2020. Chief French is being hailed for her emphasis on building trust between police and community members. Despite efforts by City Council to defund the RPD in recent years, Chief French oversaw some of the city's lowest homicide rates. The department credits her with expanding de-escalation training, improving technology and deepening 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 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." The City of Richmond will initiate a search for a new police chief.
Richmond Police Chief Bisa French (Photo by Mike Kinney)

Richmond police Chief Bisa French is set to host a virtual town hall to discuss the recent spate of violence within the community.

The event will be held Thursday, Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. on Zoom. It will be recorded for those unable to attend.

Chief French and Captain Simmons, head of the Richmond Police Department Investigations Division, plan to discuss the recent violence, the response, the RPD investigations restructure, and questions and concerns from the public.

Richmond has experienced a number of shootings in recent weeks, including three this month that resulted as homicides. View recent crime reports in the Standard here.

To join the Zoom webinar, click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85033407748.

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1 669 900 6833

WEBINAR ID: 850 3340 7748

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