Sheriff Jim McDonnell Named LAPD Chief

LOS ANGELES, CA — Former Los Angeles Police Department Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell, who also spent four years as county sheriff, was named Friday the next chief of the LAPD, taking over a department that will deal with major security issues in the coming years as the region hosts the Olympics, a Super Bowl and the World Cup.

The decision to pick McDonnell follows an eight-month search and comes as a surprise for those hoping the mayor would pick the first woman or Latino to helm the state's largest police department.

"In picking the longtime lawman — who helped implement a federal consent decree as an LAPD assistant chief and later was elected Los Angeles County sheriff — Bass is getting a steady hand as the massive security challenges of the World Cup and the Olympic Games loom on the horizon," the Los Angeles Times reported.

The Los Angeles Police Commission submitted three candidates for police chief to Bass in August -- McDonnell, LAPD Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides and former Assistant Chief Robert "Bobby" Arcos, who has been working with District Attorney George Gascón's office as head of investigations.

Bass called McDonnell "one of America's finest police professionals" and a "nationally recognized thought leaders on public safety."

She said that working with McDonnell, "together we will grow and strengthen LAPD," and "will strengthen relationships with the community."

Bass also expressed confidence in McDonnell to keep Los Angeles safe during upcoming major events -- the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games -- noting that after spending time in Paris during the recent Olympics, "the magnitude of what L.A. needs to prepare for us crystal clear to me."

McDonnell also recognized that challenge, saying, "In the next five years, the eyes of the world will be upon us. Los Angeles will host the World Cup, it will host the Olympic and Paralympic games, it will host a Super Bowl and an NBA All-Star Game. Our department and our city will be showcased, and we will be prepared. What a great opportunity that is for all of us in L.A."

McDonnell noted that he began his law enforcement career at the LAPD police academy 43 years ago, and said "standing before you here today is a dream realized."

"I love this city and I understand the modern-day challenges our officers face in trying to protect it," he said. "To our LAPD officers, I thank you. you answer the call. You perform your duties with dignity, and you hold each other to the highest professional standards.

"... It's a tremendous honor to lead the men and women of the LAPD. We will work hard to make sure that you are supported with your work to be able to keep all Angelenos safe."

He said his goals were enhancing public safety in the city, "to grow our department back to full strength," and "to strengthen public trust, the foundation of all we do," and develop community relationships, while ensuring "respectful and constitutional policing practices."

L.A. City Councilman Paul Krekorian called Bass' decision an "excellent choice for a multitude of reasons," citing McDonnell's 40 years of experience.

"We can trust him to restore morale, revitalize our recruiting efforts, and prepare our city for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games," Krekorian said. "In just four years, the eyes of the world will be on Los Angeles, and Jim McDonnell is the right leader to ensure that we are ready to shine on the global stage."

L.A. City Councilman Tim McOsker added, "Appointing a chief of police is one of the most important decisions a mayor can make, and Jim McDonnell's dedication and integrity make him an excellent person to lead this department forward."

McOsker has led efforts to reform the LAPD's disciplinary process -- an issue highlighted in the results of a survey Bass' office released in September.

L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis also congratulated Bass. Solis said, "Having worked alongside McDonnell during his tenure as sheriff of Los Angeles County, I can attest to his commitment to public safety and community engagement."

Following Bass' announcement, the Los Angeles Police Protective League Board of Directors, the union representing the LAPD's rank-and-file, hailed McDonnell.

"We have every confidence in Chief McDonnell's ability to hit the ground running to improve public safety in Los Angeles and to appoint an upper command staff that will do away with the status quo and turn a new page for the LAPD," the Board of Directors said in a statement. "We pledge our support to Mayor Bass and Chief McDonnell to improve our department, and now it's time to get to work."

By JOSE HERRERA, City News Service