Local
Long Beach police chief to retire December 31
Wally Hebeish will step down after nearly five years leading the department and 32 years in law enforcement.
Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish announced Wednesday that he will retire December 31. The department confirmed the decision in a statement reported by the Long Beach Post, which said Hebeish had been planning his retirement and wanted to see the latest academy class and the city’s difficult budget cycle through before leaving.
Retirement date: December 31, 2026
Appointed chief: January 1, 2022
Law-enforcement career: 32 years
Next step: Nationwide search with community feedback
Search for the next chief
City officials plan to consider candidates from inside and outside the department. Community members will be invited to describe the qualities they want in the next chief, and the city expects the recruitment and interview process to take several months. An appointment is targeted for early 2027.
Hebeish began his career with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in 1994 and joined Long Beach police in 1995. He rose through the department’s ranks, including serving as assistant chief, before succeeding Robert Luna as police chief.
Original reporting: Read the Long Beach Post →
Official background: View the City of Long Beach profile →