Robert Handy was appointed as the Chief of Police for the City of Huntington Beach, California, on December 7, 2013. Chief Handy enjoys the opportunity to lead a full service, mid-size police agency with diverse challenges. Implementing technology and data-driven approaches combined with community policing strategies have been priorities during the early parts of his tenure.

Chief Handy comes to Huntington Beach from the City of San Bernardino where he served as the Chief of Police for more than two years. Chief Handy guided the San Bernardino Police Department through turbulent times as the City filed for Federal Bankruptcy protection. After severe staffing reductions and multiple reorganizations, the Department stabilized to realize overall reductions in crime. Despite the financial crisis, the San Bernardino Police Department improved training, policies, and organizational performance during Chief Handy’s tenure. Prior to San Bernardino, Chief Handy was with the Phoenix, Arizona Police Department for 21 years. He started as a Police Officer in 1990 and rose through the ranks to Commander. During his tenure in Phoenix, Chief Handy served in a variety of assignments working in Patrol, Gangs, Training, Tactical Support, and Administration.

Chief Handy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Arizona, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Arizona State University, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Chief Handy is currently an Executive Board member with the California Police Chiefs Association and serves on several local boards and commissions. Chief Handy also was an adjunct professor at Arizona State University for 13 years, teaching and developing Criminal Justice classes. Chief Handy has been heavily involved in non-profit and community organizations in each of the cities he has lived in. Chief Handy and his wife Jennifer have two adult daughters.