Liberty Police Chief James Simpson announces retirement after decade leading department
Liberty Police Chief James Simpson has announced his retirement after leading the department for more than a decade.
Simpson’s retirement is effective July 1, 2022, according to a news release. Liberty will start searching for its new police chief in the next few months.
“During his time here, he has lifted our Police Department to new heights and has set a new standard when it comes to the commitment to improving our community and the lives of our residents,” City Administrator Curt Wenson said in a statement. “We wish him well in his retirement and salute him for an incredible career.”
Simpson joined the Liberty Police Department as an officer in 1985, shortly after graduating from Central Missouri State University with a degree in criminal justice administration.
He was promoted to police chief in November 2011.
As chief, Simpson established crisis intervention training for all officers, implemented a body camera program and launched the Coffee with a Cop program, an initiative to host informal conversations with members of the community.
In 2017, Simpson was elected president of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association.
This story was originally published February 24, 2022 at 7:31 AM.
