Lancaster City Police Chief Richard Mendez announces retirement after 25 years of service
LANCASTER, Pa., Sept. 18, 2025 – Lancaster City Police Chief Richard Mendez announced his plans to retire in December, concluding a distinguished 25-year career with the Lancaster City Bureau of Police.
Chief Mendez, who grew up on South Queen Street and graduated from McCaskey High School, made history as the bureau’s first Hispanic chief of police. Over his career, he served in numerous roles, including patrol officer, member of the K-9 unit, officer in the selective enforcement unit, member of the Lancaster County Special Emergency Response Team, platoon leader and captain of patrol — the bureau’s largest division — before being appointed chief.
Throughout his tenure, Chief Mendez prioritized community engagement, reinforcing that policing is a partnership between the community and the police. He strengthened the Police Social Worker Program and the Office of Community Engagement, embedding them more into the bureau’s work. Bike patrols became a routine and visible presence.
This year, under his leadership, the bureau achieved police accreditation for the first time, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and adherence to best practices.
Additionally, the bureau overhauled its recruitment process and will soon hire its largest class of officers since 2003 while upholding rigorous standards. These efforts proved critical as retirements in recent years placed added pressure on staffing levels. The bureau has seen notable results during Chief Mendez’s leadership. In 2024, Lancaster recorded its lowest homicide rate in more than four decades. The bureau has maintained an exceptionally high crime-closure rate while continuing to investigate every case thoroughly, no matter how minor.
“I want to extend my gratitude to the men and women of the Lancaster City Bureau of Police for their dedication and professionalism. Additionally, I want to thank the community for their partnership in ensuring public safety. Serving as chief of police in my hometown has been a profound honor,” Chief Mendez said.
Mayor Danene Sorace praised Chief Mendez’s service.
“Chief Mendez has been a true partner to me and our residents in ensuring public safety. His deep care for the community he grew up in is evident each day he’s on the job. I extend my appreciation for his 25 years of service to the Lancaster City Bureau of Police, and most especially his last three years as chief. He has led the bureau with distinction,” said Mayor Sorace.
Chief Mendez’s last day will be Dec. 19. Recruitment of Lancaster’s next police chief will begin soon. An interim chief of police will be named in December.
