WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — West Des Moines Chief of Police Chris Scott announced that he would retire in early 2026 after 28 years in service.

Chief Scott began his career at the Indianola Police Department in 1998 and a few years later was hired in 2001 at the Des Moines Police Department. Scott later accepted the West Des Moines Chief of Police job in 2017.

While serving, Scott was also the Chair of the Iowa Police Chiefs Line of Duty Death committee, which responds to officers killed in the line of duty around Iowa.

On Thursday, Chief Scott announced he would retire March 2, 2026. The City of West Des Moines says the early announcement will give them the opportunity to search for a new police chief.

The City is scheduled to meet on September 25, 2025, to gain approval from the Civil Service Commission and post a position opening.