Interim Sheriff Endorses Long Beach Police Chief as Replacement

Interim Los Angeles County Sheriff John Scott today endorsed Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell to take over as sheriff.

“I have every confidence that Jim will make an outstanding sheriff of Los Angeles County,” Scott said. “He is the right person, at the right time, to take the leadership role and re-build this department.”

McDonnell will square off with former Undersheriff Paul Tanaka in Tuesday’s runoff election.

Tanaka, who has maintained a low profile during the runoff campaign, could not be reached for comment.

McDonnell said he was “proud” to receive Scott’s endorsement.

“Sheriff Scott has worked to bring stability to the LASD during challenging times,” he said. “I look forward to ushering in a new era at LASD, continuing to move the department beyond past problems and restoring the trust of the community.”

--City News Service

PHOTO Patch file graphic.

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