Los Angeles City Council Confirms New LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell
McDonnell is an LAPD veteran, ex-Long Beach police chief, ex-Los Angeles County sheriff
The Los Angeles City Council has confirmed former Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell as the 59th chief of the LAPD, the nation’s third-largest law enforcement agency. The decision, which passed with an 11-2 vote, supports Mayor Karen Bass’s nominee amid concerns from some immigrant rights advocates and other activists. McDonnell’s new role comes as Los Angeles faces significant security challenges, with the city set to host major events like the Olympics, the Super Bowl, and the World Cup in the coming years. Additionally, he will address recruitment issues, work on improving officer morale, and reduce liability claims related to officer misconduct.
McDonnell emphasized his commitment to public safety, stating, “My job every day will be to help keep you safe, and I want to be clear to all people of Los Angeles, especially our immigrant community … feeling uncertainty and fear. This is a city of immigrants, and my job is to serve you.” His confirmation, however, was met with opposition from Council members Hugo Soto-Martinez and Eunissess Hernandez, who expressed concerns over McDonnell’s past policies as county sheriff from 2014 to 2018, when he allowed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents into county jails.