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Published on November 09, 2024
Jim McDonnell Confirmed as Los Angeles' New Police Chief, Brings Extensive Experience to the RoleSource: Los Angeles - Mayor Karen Bass

Los Angeles welcomes its new Chief of Police, Jim McDonnell, who was recently confirmed by the City Council. Bringing decades of experience across multiple law enforcement agencies in the region, McDonnell steps into the role with a mandate to shore up public safety and deepen community relations. According to an announcement from the Mayor's office, Mayor Karen Bass expressed confidence in McDonnell as a "dedicated leader," poised to foster safety throughout every neighborhood in L.A.

McDonnell's confirmation follows his selection by Mayor Bass on October 4 and a favorable vote from the L.A. City Council Public Safety Committee on October 29, which lead to his consideration by the full council. The new Chief's approach is geared toward enhancing the LAPD's strength through strategic recruitment and retention, while also emphasizing respecting constitutional policing practices—goals that echo his past leadership roles within the county. "I look forward to their continued partnership as we look to improve public safety throughout Los Angeles," McDonnell said, as quoted in the mayoral announcement.

An outlier in Los Angeles law enforcement history, Chief McDonnell boasts a resume highlighting leadership posts in the county's three largest policing agencies, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Long Beach Police Department. His career with the LAPD spanned 29 years, ascending to the rank of First Assistant Chief of Police. McDonnell's prior tenure at these agencies was marked by a reduction in crime and bolstered police-community relations, setting a precedent for his current tenure.

Chief McDonnell also brings a strong education background, with a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a Master's degree in Public Administration, supplemented by executive education at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, as detailed by the Mayor's Office. His voice is well-regarded not just locally, but on the national stage, serving in top positions for major law enforcement associations and as a member of the California Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards & Training (POST).