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.
Council members Heather Hutt and Kevin de Leon were absent for the vote. In 2017, McDonnell opposed Senate Bill 54, California’s sanctuary state legislation, which limited law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Soto-Martinez voiced the concerns of many Los Angeles residents, saying, “I was not totally satisfied with some of your answers in (Public Safety) committee, which to me, showed a lack of a strong understanding on how these policies affect communities of color, and also showed a lack of understanding of how immigrant families and many undocumented Angelenos experience the city and policies.”
In response to the community’s concerns, McDonnell pledged to uphold Senate Bill 54 and the California Values Act, which limits state law enforcement agencies from assisting federal immigration enforcement. Addressing Councilman Curren Price, he confirmed, “We will not work with ICE on immigration enforcement issues at all. That’s real clear throughout.”
Data from Mayor Bass’s office shows a significant reduction in the release of inmates to ICE under McDonnell’s previous tenure; prior to his appointment as sheriff, 7,842 inmates were released to ICE in 2013, dropping by 90% to 820 during his term. Mayor Bass expressed confidence in McDonnell, stating, “Los Angeles is a city of immigrants, and I trust Jim McDonnell to keep our city safe. He has the skill set and the compassion to build trust with every community and I know he is committed to doing so.”
Bass further emphasized the city’s support for all residents: “Jim McDonnell will be my partner in making sure Angelenos stand together and that their city stands with them during this uncertain time. My message is simple: no matter where you were born, how you came to this country, Los Angeles will stand with you and this will not change.” Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, chair of the Public Safety Committee, stressed that “trust is fundamental to the success of making this a safer city.” McDonnell affirmed his dedication, stating he looks “forward to the opportunity, earning that trust.”
With a 29-year career in the department and experience as first assistant chief of police, McDonnell retired in 2010 to lead the Long Beach Police Department. He now steps into the LAPD chief role, succeeding former chief Michel Moore, who retired in February. Among the three finalists, McDonnell was chosen over LAPD Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides and former Assistant Chief Robert Arcos. Interim Police Chief Dominic Choi, who has led the LAPD since March, will step down and is expected to become one of three assistant chiefs.
McDonnell has outlined his goals for the department, emphasizing the importance of public safety, restoring the department’s staffing levels, building public trust, and promoting respectful and constitutional policing practices. Originally proposed an annual salary of $507,000, McDonnell’s pay was adjusted to $450,000 by the Board of Police Commissioners, reflecting city budget considerations. This salary remains above that of previous chief Michel Moore, who earned $436,000, and other prominent police officials, including L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna at $397,340, President Joe Biden at $400,000, and New York City Police Department commissioners at around $243,000.