Former County Sheriff Appointed as Chief of Los Angeles Police Force
In a significant move, former Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell has been selected to lead the Los Angeles Police Department, overseeing nearly 9,000 officers in the nation’s third-largest police force. The appointment comes amidst growing concerns among the city’s residents regarding public safety, despite a decline in violent crime rates.
The announcement of McDonnell’s appointment follows the unexpected retirement of Chief Michel Moore earlier in 2024. Moore’s tenure was marred by increased scrutiny over issues such as excessive force and police-involved civilian deaths in the city. Dominic Choi, the first Asian American chief, has been serving as the interim chief since March 2024.
As the new chief, McDonnell faces the task of preparing the department for the upcoming security challenges posed by major events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. McDonnell, who was chosen after a vetting process by a civilian board of Los Angeles police commissioners, previously served as the LA County Sheriff from 2014, overseeing the largest sheriff’s department in the U.S.
Prior to his role as Sheriff, McDonnell spent almost three decades in the LAPD and served as the police chief of Long Beach for nearly five years. His selection as chief of the LAPD followed a debate over whether an “insider” or “outsider” should lead the department. Mayor Karen Bass, who made the final decision, considered McDonnell alongside two other candidates with extensive LAPD experience.
The LAPD has faced criticism in recent years over its handling of events like the George Floyd protests and several high-profile police shootings. Issues such as officer recruitment and retention have also challenged the department. Mayor Bass emphasised the need for a leader who could bring about significant change within the force and improve community engagement.
McDonnell, described as a “hybrid” in the insider-outsider debate, is seen as someone who can offer fresh perspectives while understanding the inner workings of the LAPD. Throughout his career, McDonnell has held various ranks within the LAPD and was instrumental in implementing reforms following the Rampart scandal.
His experience includes leading the Sheriff’s Department during a period of significant reform and focusing on issues such as accountability and training. McDonnell’s background in public safety solutions research and his involvement in studying international security threats position him well to address the challenges ahead for the LAPD.
With McDonnell’s wealth of experience and commitment to reform, his appointment as the new chief of the Los Angeles Police Department signals a new chapter for the force as it navigates complex issues of public safety and community relationships in the years to come.