South Bay City Appoints New Police Chief As Department Deals With Reformation

TORRANCE, CA — A South Bay city has appointed a new police chief just weeks after the department entered into a reform agreement with California state officials.

Torrance city officials announced Wednesday that Robert Dunn would serve as the new police chief, effective Sunday.

"Chief Dunn comes with an extensive background in law enforcement and a proven record of leadership," the city officials said in a statement on Wednesday. "Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the highest caliber of professionalism, integrity, and the vision necessary to guide a modern police department."

The decision comes as the Torrance Police Department works with the California Department of Justice to take the necessary measures to change its practices following an investigation that started with two then-officers spray-painting a swastika on an impounded car.

That investigation into that incident led to a bigger scandal that revealed dozens of officers in the department had been exchanging racist, homophobic and anti-Semitic messages, according to authorities.

Following the agreement, Dunn, who was serving in an interim role at the time, said the department would be working "diligently" to implement the new reforms.

"The message to our employees, elected leaders, and the community is clear: The Torrance Police Department has a zero-tolerance policy for hate and discrimination and is committed to constitutional policing," Dunn said in August.

Dunn began his career with the Anaheim Police Department as an explorer in 1993 before being sworn in eight years later, according to city officials. Throughout his career, he's served in various roles, including as an explorer advisor, training officer, graffiti task force investigator, and canine unit supervisor, according to city officials.

In 2018, he served as the Fullerton Police Department's captain before being named the agency's police chief a year later, according to city officials.

Dunn served as the Torrance Police Department's Assistant Chief starting in 2025 before being appointed to the interim chief role in 2025.

"With his extensive experience and steadfast commitment to public safety, Chief Dunn is prepared to lead the Torrance Police Department into its next chapter, reinforcing accountability, strengthening a culture of excellence in service, and strengthen community trust," according to city officials.