Manhattan Beach Police Chief Retiring

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — After 31 years of service in the city of Manhattan Beach, Chief of Police Derrick Abell will retire this month.

Abell has spent 33 years in law enforcement and his retirement begins Dec. 18.

His work as police chief started in 2018. He oversees about 108 employees and manages all police department operations and programs.

“Chief Abell has spent his career in public safety in Manhattan Beach as a model of professionalism and dedication,” Mayor Hildy Stern said in a statement.

“His compassionate approach to understanding our community, the collaborative way he extends himself to developing partnerships, and his support of citywide initiatives has certainly strengthened the Manhattan Beach Police Department," Hildy said. "We are incredibly fortunate to have had Chief Abell's dedication to our community for all these years.”

Abell developed and enhanced communications with the community, implemented proactive strategies to reduce crime and promoted career development and training. In addition, he has embraced new technologies, modern practices, and innovative methods of policing and prioritized police officer morale and wellbeing.

He started his career in Manhattan Beach as a patrol officer in 1991 and has served the community in different roles, including narcotics detective, SWAT team commander, police sergeant and administration division captain. In 1999, his peers and subordinates selected him as the “Officer of the Year” for his hard work, dedication, and accomplishments. He was also an active member of the California Police Chiefs Association Executive Board and Training Committee.

“Chief Abell has been an integral part of the City’s leadership team,” City Manager Bruce Moe said. “He has led the city’s police department with compassion, integrity and respect. He understands the importance of being part of the community he serves and has fostered strong relationships.”

Under Abell's leadership, the departemnt has increased de-escalation strategies and engaged in a collaborative approach to addressing citywide initiatives such as homelessness, school safety, and implicit bias. He also provided oversight for public safety during large-scale special events such as the Manhattan Beach Open Volleyball Tournament, Holiday Fireworks and the Old Hometown Fair.

“It has been an honor and privilege to lead the men and women of the Manhattan Beach Police Department and serve the residents of Manhattan Beach," said Abell in a statement. “There is no greater calling than serving others before self, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to serve so many throughout my career. I look forward to ‘paying it forward’ in the next chapter of my life.”

The City will initiate a recruitment process immediately to begin a search for the new chief. In the interim, Chief Abell has agreed to serve as interim Police Chief until the selection process is complete.

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