Chief of Police Richard Bell of the West Covina Police Department announced his retirement, effective December 27, 2024, after 29.5 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, with almost 26 years serving West Covina.
Chief Bell began his law enforcement career with the West Covina Police Department in February of 1999, rising through the ranks to become Chief of Police in 2019. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment to public safety, and a dedication to building strong relationships within the community.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation for everything this organization has offered me during my career,” said Chief Bell. “Working with such a great and committed team of professionals has been a true honor, and I have really enjoyed my time here.”
Under Chief Bell’s leadership, the West Covina Police Department made significant strides in areas such as community policing, crime reduction, officer training, and mental health response. Chief Bell was instrumental in the implementation of body-worn cameras, the installation of flock cameras throughout West Covina, bringing back the overlap shift to deploy officers during peak hours which reduces response time, introducing the new Mark 43 CAD RMS to improve efficiency, and implicant bias training.
The announcement of Chief Bell’s retirement has been met with widespread praise from the West Covina City Council who commended his service and leadership.
Mayor Brian Calderón Tabatabai expressed appreciation for Chief Bell’s service:
“I want to thank Chief Bell for his years of service and leadership. His commitment to safety, fairness, and integrity has left a lasting impact on the West Covina Police Department and our community. I wish him all the best in his retirement and thank him for his unwavering dedication to public service.”
Mayor Pro Tem Tony Wu commented on Chief Bell’s legacy:
“I first met Chief Bell back in 2015, when he served as captain in our police department. Even then, his leadership qualities were evident. In 2019, as our city faced challenging times, Chief Bell took on the position with dedication and commitment. Under his leadership, not only did department morale improve, but he also fostered unity within our ranks, strengthening the department’s sense of purpose and teamwork. Chief Bell worked tirelessly to recruit new officers, helping ensure the safety and security of West Covina. His impact was recognized beyond our community. In 2023, Forbes magazine named West Covina the third safest city in the nation for cities with populations of over 100,000, an achievement that reflects Chief Bell’s hard work and vision for our city’s safety.
Congratulations to Chief Bell on his retirement. He has earned every moment of rest and relaxation ahead. His departure is a great loss for us, and he will be missed deeply. Thank you, Chief Bell, for your years of service and for all you’ve done to keep West Covina safe.”
Councilwoman Letty Lopez-Viado who has worked closely with Chief Bell shared her thoughts:
“Chief Bell’s dedication to our city has united our police department and the community as a whole. His leadership, commitment, and service to our residents have helped shape a safer, stronger city for all of us. He was pivotal in redefining West Covina Police Department’s engagement with the community, fostering trust and collaboration. He also led the charge to install flock cameras, a council directive I helped lead.”
Councilman Ollie Cantos added his remarks regarding Chief Bell:
“Chief Bell has been an awesome force for good, and his positive imprint on the Police Department will continue to be felt for many years to come. He cultivated strength and unity among the ranks and worked hard to ensure that law enforcement remains effective in promoting public safety. When coupled with his extensive community engagement, his successful efforts to beef up our infrastructure, and the culture that he created, our citizenry has been indelibly impacted as a result. Plus, for however long I serve in my elected role, he will always be my first Police Chief, setting an incredible foundation upon which to build for the future!”
Councilwoman Rosario Diaz echoed the accolades of her colleagues by stating:
“It has been a pleasure serving the people of West Covina with a Chief of Police like Richard Bell, and I hold him in high regard. He is a man of unquestioned integrity and professionalism.
We owe him a deep debt of gratitude for being such a transitional figure in the city. He has served our Police Department with honor and distinction, and I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
As Chief Bell transitions into retirement, the City will begin the process of selecting his successor immediately.
For more information about the City of West Covina please visit the City’s website at www.westcovina.org.