Former L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell Named LAPD’s new chief

The eight-month search for the next Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) chief ended on Friday, Oct. 4, with Mayor Karen Bass announcing former Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell as the new chief. His appointment comes at a crucial time, as the city prepares to host the 2028 Olympics.

McDonnell has a long history in law enforcement, including one term as LA County Sheriff from 2014 to 2018, heading the Long Beach Police Department, and serving 28 years with the LAPD, where he rose to the rank of assistant chief.

Bass explained her decision, saying, “To reduce crime and make Los Angeles safer by strengthening the LAPD, building community relations, and ensuring our city is prepared, I’ve chosen Jim McDonnell as the 59th chief. He’s a leader and an innovator, which is what L.A. needs.”

McDonnell now joins Robert Luna, the current LA County Sheriff, as one of the county’s top law enforcement officials. Both previously served as chiefs for Long Beach.

At a press conference, McDonnell laid out his goals, which include improving public safety, restoring morale, and rebuilding the department. He also emphasized the importance of gaining public trust, ensuring fair policing, and preparing for upcoming major events like the 2028 Olympics, World Cup, and other large-scale gatherings.

“In the next five years, Los Angeles will be in the global spotlight,” McDonnell said. “We’ll be ready.”

Bass praised McDonnell as “one of America’s finest police professionals” and expressed confidence in his ability to lead during a time of transformation for both the LAPD and the city.

Addressing questions about diversity within the department, Bass emphasized her commitment to inclusion, noting that she aims for representation in every area.

McDonnell credited Bass for her focus on public safety and called his appointment a “dream realized,” stating, “It’s a tremendous honor to lead the men and women of the LAPD.”

After losing his 2018 re-election bid for sheriff, McDonnell became the director of the Safe Communities Institute at USC. He was one of three finalists for the LAPD chief position, recommended to Bass by the Board of Police Commissioners.

Officials and colleagues, including former LAPD deputy chief Sergio Diaz, praised McDonnell’s leadership, calling him experienced, ethical, and approachable. Diaz noted McDonnell’s role in reducing crime in the early 2000s and said he has the qualities needed to lead the LAPD through its challenges.

The Los Angeles Police Protective League, which represents officers, expressed support for McDonnell’s appointment, saying it shows the mayor’s commitment to addressing staffing and morale issues within the department.

Mayor Bass released the following statement:

Today I selected Jim McDonnell to serve as the 59th LAPD Chief and I wanted to make sure you heard from me about this decision.

From the beginning of this administration, I have been clear: My top priority as Mayor is to ensure that Angelenos and our neighborhoods are safer than the day before.

Over the past months, I met with hundreds of LAPD officers and community leaders about what they are looking for in the next Chief of Police. I heard time and time again that the Department needs a leader – someone who understands the Department but is ready to hit the ground running and push for change.

Chief McDonnell is the right man for the job – and together we will work to grow and strengthen LAPD, deepen relationships with communities across the city, and make sure that Los Angeles is vigilant and prepared for anything that comes our way.

Chief McDonnell has served for more than forty years in the public safety profession and is the first person to serve in senior executive leadership positions in the three largest policing agencies in Los Angeles County: the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), and the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD). During his tenure, all three agencies saw a reduction in crime and improved police-community relations. 

He is a proven leader, an innovator and a change maker – and he will build a new foundation in this City.