Richmond has appointed Timothy “Tim” Simmons as the new Chief of Police, a decision made amid ongoing challenges such as staffing shortages and a concerning increase in gun violence. Simmons, a 17-year veteran of the Richmond Police Department, officially took on the role in mid-January 2026. He aims to refocus the department on neighborhood-centric policing and enhance community trust.
Simmons’ selection was announced by City Manager Shasa Curl in December, with city officials welcoming him through a social media post that emphasized his commitment to the community. “I am honored to serve as Chief of Police for the Richmond Police Department,” Simmons stated, highlighting his dedication to transparency and community engagement.
Focus on Staffing and Community Engagement
One of Simmons’ primary objectives is to address the department’s staffing deficits. He has made clear that Richmond needs more police officers to effectively implement community policing strategies. Currently, there are approximately 22 open positions, and Simmons aims to boost the number of patrol officers to around 55 by June 2026. Achieving this goal would allow for the redeployment of specialized units that have been affected by staffing issues.
Simmons has already begun swearing in several lateral officers transferring from other departments. He has emphasized the importance of familiar faces on the streets, stating that residents should see the same officers regularly instead of a constantly changing roster.
Technology Review and Privacy Concerns
In a notable move regarding police technology, Simmons temporarily halted the use of the department’s automated license-plate reader (ALPR) system. This decision followed the discovery that the system’s data was accessible by outside agencies due to a misconfigured administrative setting. “The moment I found out about this issue, I shut it off completely,” Simmons explained.
The ALPR has recorded over 431,000 license-plate reads in a recent 30-day period, raising significant privacy concerns among residents. The cameras will remain offline until the department can ensure that stronger safeguards are in place to protect the data. Although no evidence of misuse has been found, the situation highlights the urgency of reviewing the system.
Addressing Rising Gun Violence
Richmond experienced one of its lowest homicide rates in recent years in 2025, yet the city faced a troubling increase in shooting incidents towards the end of the year. Simmons reported to the Community Police Review Commission that there were approximately 50 shooting incidents in the last 90 days of 2025, undermining the positive homicide statistics. In response, he has initiated targeted deployments to high-crime areas, including the Iron Triangle and Richmond Annex.
Simmons believes that rebuilding trust within the community will require a combination of increased police presence and consistent outreach. He aims to foster an environment where residents feel comfortable contacting the police before problems escalate.
Community Response and Future Plans
Reactions to Simmons’ appointment and his early actions have been cautiously optimistic among city officials and community leaders. Councilmember Sue Wilson described the shutdown of the ALPR system as a significant step, indicating Simmons’ willingness to prioritize community safety over technology. Councilmember Claudia Jimenez commended Simmons for his focus on safety and transparency in decision-making.
Simmons has invited neighborhood leaders to actively engage with the department as they navigate issues related to technology, staffing, and community partnerships. He is expected to present proposals for the ALPR system and a clearer plan for its potential reactivation during a City Council meeting next month.
In the coming months, Simmons’ performance will be assessed based on three key metrics: the number of officers hired, crime trends, and improvements in community relationships. The Richmond community is poised to closely monitor his efforts as he seeks to reshape the police force and address the pressing challenges facing the city.
