Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish is set to retire after leading the second largest police department in Los Angeles County for nearly five years.
The Long Beach Police Department announced Hebeish will step down on Dec. 31, 2026.
“It has been an incredible honor to stand alongside the dedicated men and women of the Long Beach Police Department in service of our community,” said Chief Hebeish in a statement. “Leading our police department through some of the most challenging times we have faced in modern law enforcement was only possible because of the support given to me by our police officers, professional staff, labor partners, city leadership, and the Long Beach community. I will be forever grateful for the trust placed in me to lead our department and serve our city.”
Hebeish began his law enforcement career with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department before joining Long Beach police in 1995. He was promoted within the department, including serving as assistant police chief, before being appointed chief of police in 2021, according to Long Beach police.
Hebeish succeeded Robert Luna, who later became LA County Sheriff.
The city manager will conduct a nationwide recruitment process to identify candidates from both within and outside the department, city officials said.
Before a final selection is made, community members will have an opportunity to participate in a feedback process and share what they are seeking in their next police chief.
The process could take several months, with the city hoping to announce the appointment of its next chief in early 2027.
The interview process will involve a multi-step screening process, meetings with city department directors, and interviews with community and technical panels before the city manager makes the final decision.