Long Beach Police Bolster Ranks Ahead of Major Events

Department aims to fill 17% vacancy rate as city prepares for 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) is working to recruit hundreds of new officers to bolster its police force ahead of several large-scale sporting events coming to the Los Angeles region, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. LBPD Police Chief Wally Hebeish acknowledged the department is currently operating with a 17% vacancy rate, but they are working to close that gap by expanding the police academy and recruiting more officers.

Why it matters

As Long Beach prepares to host major international events like the World Cup and Olympics, the city's police department needs to ensure it has adequate staffing levels to provide public safety and security. The recruitment efforts are an investment in the future of public safety in the region.

The details

The LBPD recently unveiled a renovated police academy that welcomed its 100th class, starting with 98 new recruits. Hebeish said this represents a historic moment for the department and a launching pad to prepare for the upcoming events. The department is also adjusting how it responds to certain calls to reduce workload demands on existing staff, utilizing community services assistance for non-emergency calls.

  • In mid-January, the City of Long Beach unveiled its renovated police academy, which welcomed LBPD's 100th police academy class, beginning with 98 officers.
  • The Long Beach Arena will be home to Olympic handball events in 2028.

The players

Wally Hebeish

The Police Chief of the Long Beach Police Department.

Long Beach Police Department

The police department for the city of Long Beach, California, which is working to bolster its ranks ahead of major sporting events coming to the region.

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What they’re saying

“This class started with the goal of 100 officers, which represents a historic moment in our department's history.”

— Wally Hebeish, Police Chief (nbclosangeles.com)

“It's a pivotal moment in the growth of our department and in the region and really kind of continuing to serve as a benchmark agency in law enforcement, a benchmark police department.”

— Wally Hebeish, Police Chief (nbclosangeles.com)

“You have to know that the organization you work for values you. The police officers in this department for the past three years have done everything they can to make sure that we can keep that base staffing level... showing our public that we are here for the community.”

— Wally Hebeish, Police Chief (nbclosangeles.com)

What’s next

The department and the police officers' union are working to tackle concerns about officer benefits as the city prepares for the World Cup and Olympics over the next two years.

The takeaway

Long Beach's investment in its police force, including expanding the police academy and recruiting hundreds of new officers, is a strategic move to ensure the city is prepared to provide public safety and security for the major international sporting events coming to the region in the next few years.