Chief of Police
Anthony W. Batts

Chief Batts was promoted to the position of Chief of Police of California’s fifth largest city on October 26, 2002. Chief Batts is responsible for a department consisting of 1,500 employees and a $200 million budget.

The City of Long Beach is home to: 495,000 residents, one of the worlds largest ports and second busiest seaport in the United States, two of the nations largest municipal marinas, a national airport, two college campuses, a nationally recognized convention and visitors center, numerous entertainment districts, and home to the world renowned Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Chief Batts has served as an “agent of change” throughout his 25 plus year career with the Department. His progressive and innovative style has been utilized numerous times during his career to transform low performing units into high performers. The Long Beach Police team boasts four consecutive years of crime reduction and increased productivity. Long Beach is experiencing the lowest crime rates since the early 1970’s. The Long Beach Police Department prides itself on professionalism and customer driven service.  “Safety, service and hope are the building blocks we provide to a community rich in diversity, opportunity and promise.” Chief Batts comments, “Our job is to turn citizen concerns into our service imperatives.  ” In addition he states, “My employees are my heroes, fearlessly risking their lives to save others and provide service without hesitation. Our team’s motto is ‘One Team, One Mission, To Become California’s Safest Large City’.”

Chief Batts holds a Doctorate in Public Administration, a Masters Degree in Business Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement Administration. In addition, he is a graduate of the following executive programs: Harvard University Executive Development Course, FBI National Executive Institute, Police Executive Training Course, University of Southern California Delinquency Control Institute, FBI National Academy, Leadership Long Beach, Law Enforcement Command College, and International Association of Chiefs of Police S.W.A.T. Commander School. Chief Batts has attended numerous terrorism training courses around the world addressing ports, airports, entertainment venues and light rail transportation systems.

Chief Batts has received numerous awards and commendations for heroism, crime reduction, community activism, and innovative programs at the local, state, and national level, including but not limited to the Governor’s most innovative crime reduction program, California State University Alumni of the Year, Boy Scouts Distinguished Citizen Award, Leadership Long Beach Alumnus of the Year.

Chief Batts is a Governor’s appointee and the past Chair of the POST (Peace Officer Standards & Training) Commission and currently sits as a commissioner.  He is a member of the following boards: Long Beach Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees, Board of Governors for Long Beach City College, Board of Directors for the Boy Scouts of America and the Long Beach Children’s Clinic. Chief Batts is a member of the Major City Chiefs Association, the Los Angeles County Chiefs Association, the California Police Chiefs Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).

Chief Batts is the father of three children: one daughter and two sons. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, attending jazz concerts and sporting events across the United States.