The City of Signal Hill is pleased to announce the appointment of Carl Charles as Signal Hill's Interim Chief of Police.
Chief Charles comes to Signal Hill after a successful 28-year career in law enforcement with the City of Downey. He retired in 2018, having served his final 6 years as Downey's Chief of Police. Chief Charles began his career at the Downey Police Department in 1990. He had a stellar record of service, rising through the ranks before becoming the City’s Chief of Police in 2012. During his tenure, Chief Charles is credited with equipping all officers with body-worn cameras, installing license-plate readers citywide, forming a homeless outreach team, improving communications with the public and media, implementing outreach events, developing a citizen volunteer program, reinstituting the K9 program, and allowing mental health professionals to ride with officers.
Chief Charles will begin his tenure with the City of Signal Hill on November 15, 2021.
"I consider it a privilege to step into this interim role with a focus on moving the department forward and initiating the process of preparing the Signal Hill Police Department to handle future challenges, as law enforcement continues to adapt to the ever-changing landscape," he said.
Chief Charles holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Corrections from California State University, Northridge and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California.
“I am excited to have Chief Charles join our City team as the Interim Chief and look forward to his leadership of the Signal Hill Police Department,” said Mayor Edward H.J. Wilson. “He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in public safety, law enforcement, and community policing and will continue to move the Police Department forward during this transitional time.”
The Signal Hill Police Department remains committed to community policing and to its core values of integrity, communication, loyalty, family, and responsibility. For more information, please visit http://www.signalhillpd.org.