In an unexpected announcement at the September 28, 2026, Culver City Council meeting, Culver City Police Chief Jason Sims will be retiring; long time CCPD Officer and Assistant Chief Troy Dunlop has been appointed as Interim Chief.
Mayor Freddy Puza gave the announcement to City Attorney Heather Baker, who reported on Closed Session item CS-2, saying “Police Chief Jason Sims has announced his intent to retire in February of 2027, and will be taking a leave of absence utilizing accrued paid time off starting Nov. 1st.”
Noting that the council had approved for Sims to take private employment while using his paid leave, Baker concluded “The council has approved Assistant Police Chief Troy Dunlop as the interim, beginning Nov. 2.” Dunlop has served on the Culver City Police Department for just under 25 years.
The agenda for the Culver City Council meeting included a closed session evaluation of the Police Chief position and an appointment, so there was some slight foreshadowing. Sims was appointed as an interim to replace Chief Manny Cid in December of 2022, and was confirmed as Chief in May of 2023.
The meeting began with a recognition of CCPD Volunteer Carol Kramer, who was retiring from her post after 12 years of service to the department. Sims was lavish in his praise of her efforts. “We almost need to create a new category, the number of hours she put in exceeded our standards. For every occasion, for every event, she was there for us.”
On his own departure, Sims did not offer any public comment.
Judith Martin-Straw
Photo – Interim Police Chief Troy Dunlop
