Richardson is retiring Feb. 14 after nine years leading the Battle Ground Police Department and 40 years of service in law enforcement
BATTLE GROUND — The public is invited to a community celebration of Battle Ground Police Chief Bob Richardson who is retiring Feb. 14 after nine years leading the Battle Ground Police Department and 40 years of service in law enforcement.
The free event is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 12 at the Battle Ground Community Center, 912 East Main Street in Battle Ground. The event includes open house social time as well as a program scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m.
Chief Richardson’s career in law enforcement began with the Irvine Police Department where her served for 30 years rising in the ranks to become Police Commander. In January of 2011, he took his official Oath of Office as Chief of Police for the city of Battle Ground.
“Chief Richardson is to be commended for his leadership, professionalism and dedication to this community,” City Manager Erin Erdman said, “Under his direction the department has made tremendous strides in service and in relationships with the community. I want to personally thank him for his service to the City of Battle Ground.”
“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead the men and women of the Battle Ground Police Department in this noble profession”, said Chief Richardson, “they provide quality police services with integrity, respect and accountability.”
Under Chief Richardson’s leadership, the Battle Ground Police Department has placed special emphasis on building a strong relationship with the community through a commitment to integrity, quality service, respect and accountability.
Chief Richardson implemented a victim’s advocate program within the department and supported juvenile justice reforms including school based diversion and detention alternatives. He has been a strong advocate youth, serving as founding member and co-chair of Prevent Together: Battle Ground Prevention Alliance. He was honored with an award from the Northwest Justice Forum and received the WA State Public Health Association’s Public Health Leadership Award for implementation of restorative justice practices within the Battle Ground Police Department.
He has ensured that every police officer has access to AED’s, Naloxone, and the training to use these lifesaving tools. Chief Richardson expanded the less-lethal weapons systems, and training for police officers in areas of mental health, adverse childhood experiences, and adolescent brain development, making officers better prepared for the challenges they face every day.
Several cost-saving measures were realized under Chief’s Richardson’s leadership. He moved the department toward a regional police records management system, privatized the court bailiff program, expanded digital evidence collection, and utilized other technologies to make the department more efficient during staff reductions.
He is a member of the Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs, the International Association of Police Chiefs, and the Police Executive Research Forum.
Richardson earned a degree in Criminal Justice Administration from California State University, Long Beach and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California.
He is a proud U.S. Army veteran, having served from 1976 to 1979 as an MP (Military Police) and MPI (Investigator) in the 571st and 54th MP Companies at both Fort Ord and Fort Hunter Ligett.
“I learned respect for our country,” remarked Chief Richardson of his time in the military, “and most importantly, service to others before self.”
Information provided by city of Battle Ground.
