Interim Chief of Police Robert López Appointed to Lead BPPD

BALDWIN PARK, California (February 17, 2021) – The Baldwin Park City Council unanimously appointed Robert López to serve as the City's permanent Police Chief. His term will begin February 21, days after the Councilmembers approve his contract during the February 17, 2021, Council meeting.

López is currently serving as interim Chief of Police and previously served as the Commanding Officer of the Force Investigation Division for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

As Chief of Police, López will continue to administer and enhance the department's high level of policing services, oversee public safety programs, and provide public safety recommendations to the City Council and staff members.

"The City Council and I are eager to continue to work with Chief López. Robert is a community-oriented Chief who recognizes the value of working with our residents." Mayor Emmanuel J. Estrada said, "Chief López’ ample experience brings stable leadership that improves the department’s culture, encourages productivity, builds trust, and retains top talent.”

Baldwin Park CEO Shannon Yahtzee commented, "Since he began in his interim role, Mr. López demonstrated exemplary commitment and dedication to the community of Baldwin Park. He has taken law enforcement in this city to the next level, and I am confident he will continue in that trajectory."

"I genuinely look forward to continuing to lend my experience to Baldwin Park and working with a team of committed public service professionals," said López. "Baldwin Park is a wonderful, supportive community, and I am eager to be a part of the department formally."

With over 40 years of experience, Chief López served the community, believing that effective policing is achieved through a community effort. López said, "The key to being an effective Chief is the ability to collaborate with the community, all the community," he looks forward to being involved and hands-on.

Chief López earned an LAPD's Meritorious Unit Citation for his extraordinary efforts to break-up a robbery ring and the outstanding investigative efforts in the Rampart Homicide unit. Chief López received the Police Meritorious Service Medal in 1996 for his investigative efforts of a brutal gang murder.

Chief López attended Los Angeles Harbor College and eventually earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Union University in 2009. When time allows, he guest lectures at public schools, colleges, and universities on the topic of gangs. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, and boating.