Tehachapi Police Department hires new chief

The City of Tehachapi is pleased to announce the hiring of new Police Chief Richard Standridge. Chief Standridge will be joining the City of Tehachapi team, bringing 24 years of law enforcement experience with him. Standridge is currently the Chief of Police for the City of Bishop, California where he has been since July 2021.

"We are very excited to announce the hiring of Chief Richard Standridge, he brings all the qualities we were looking for in a leader for our police department. His experience alone is an asset for our team and will strengthen our police department. His core values align with the City of Tehachapi, and this should make him the perfect fit for our police department and community," said Greg Garrett, Tehachapi City Manager.

Chief Standridge began his career in May 1998 with the Tulare County Sheriff's Department, then laterally transferring to the City of Porterville Police Department in August 1998. He worked as a police officer for eight years, sergeant for eight years, lieutenant for six years with the Porterville Police Department, and the last two years as Chief at the Bishop Police Department.

"It's an honor to be selected as the next Chief of Police for the City of Tehachapi. However, I want to take this opportunity to thank the City Council of Bishop and fellow department heads. During my time as the City of Bishop Police Chief, I was provided with nothing but opportunity and support, for which I am truly grateful. I was blessed with a fantastic staff at the Police Department, and I am confident they will continue to thrive in the future. With that being said, my family and I are looking forward to our next chapter with the City of Tehachapi and are excited to join the community," said Richard Standridge, current Chief of Police City of Bishop.

Standridge is expected to join the Tehachapi Police Department officially by July 1. The City of Tehachapi utilized Bob Murray and Associates in recruiting the new chief, more than 30 applicants from across the United States requested consideration for the position.