Arcadia Names Brandon Karmann as Police Chief

Karmann, a 24-year law enforcement veteran, becomes the department's 31st police chief following a nationwide search.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in People

Arcadia Names Brandon Karmann as Police Chief

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The Arcadia Police Department has named Brandon Karmann as its 31st police chief, effective October 19. Karmann most recently served as a captain with the West Covina Police Department and first joined the Arcadia department in 2002.

Why it matters

The appointment fills the leadership role left by Roy Nakamura's retirement after 34 years with the department. Arcadia, a San Gabriel Valley city of about 57,000 people, gains a chief with more than two decades of experience.

Karmann brings 24 years of law enforcement experience, including more than 20 years with the West Covina Police Department. The source does not specify budget or staffing changes that accompany the appointment.

The players

Brandon Karmann

Karmann is a longtime law enforcement officer who previously served as a captain with the West Covina Police Department.

Roy Nakamura

Nakamura served as Arcadia's police chief from 2021 and was the first Asian American to lead the department.

The details

Karmann was selected following a nationwide search and takes over as chief on October 19. He first served on the Arcadia Police Department in 2002, before moving to West Covina, where he rose to captain.

July 31: Roy Nakamura's final day with the Arcadia Police Department.
October 19: Brandon Karmann takes over as Arcadia police chief.

Leadership Transition

Karmann succeeds Nakamura, who in 2021 became the first Asian American to lead the Arcadia Police Department. The appointment continues the department's leadership succession following Nakamura's retirement after 34 years of service.

Residents of Arcadia will see new leadership at the police department beginning October 19. The source does not describe changes to patrols, services, or community programs under the new chief.

The takeaway

Leadership transitions in public safety agencies often set the tone for a department's priorities for years. Residents interested in how Arcadia's police department evolves under Karmann can track future announcements from the city.