HAPCOA congratulates Richard L. Castro for his promotion to Chief
Richard L. Castro, a 35-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, was recently promoted to the rank of Chief by Sheriff Lee Baca and will oversee the operations of the Detective Division.
Chief Castro's career with the Sheriff's Department began in 1969, as a Deputy Sheriff Trainee. After graduating from the Training Academy as a Deputy Sheriff, he held assignments at Men’s Central Jail, East Los Angeles Station, and Grant Management Unit. Upon being promoted to Sergeant in 1976, Chief Castro was assigned to West Hollywood Station, Norwalk Station, and Field Operations Region III Headquarters. In 1986 he was promoted to Lieutenant, and held positions at Transportation Bureau, Lynwood Station, Recruit Training Bureau, Training Bureau, and the Office of the Undersheriff. Chief Castro was promoted to Captain in 1996 and took over command of the Sybil Brand Institute for Women before being assigned to the Pitchess Detention Center’s North Facility. In 2000 Chief Castro was promoted to Commander and has had assignments in the Leadership and Training Division, Field Operations Region II, and Detective Division.
Chief Castro holds an Associate’s Degree in Police Science from Rio Hondo College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in the Administration of Justice from the California State University, Long Beach and a Master of Science Degree in Emergency Services Administration, also from California State University, Long Beach. A native of Tucson, Arizona, he now resides in Hermosa Beach with his wife, Lynda, who is a Commander assigned to the Department’s Executive Offices. Chief Castro has three adult children; Cristina, 32, a nursing student, Richard, 30, a Custody Assistant assigned to San Dimas Station, and Daniel, 25, a Deputy Sheriff assigned to Custody Division. In his spare time, Chief Castro enjoys water sports, motorcycling, golf, weightlifting, and cycling.