By Joanna Putman
Police1
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles City Council has confirmed Jim McDonnell as the new LAPD chief in an 11-2 vote, KABC reported.
Nominated by Mayor Karen Bass, McDonnell becomes the 59th chief to lead the nation’s third-largest police force as Los Angeles prepares for major upcoming events, including the Olympics, a Super Bowl and the World Cup, according to the report. McDonnell previously served 29 years with the LAPD, as well as five years as Long Beach police chief and four years as Los Angeles County sheriff.
At his swearing-in on Nov. 8, McDonnell pledged to serve all Los Angeles residents, particularly addressing concerns from the city’s immigrant community, according to the report. He assured residents that under his leadership, the LAPD would uphold California’s sanctuary laws, specifically Senate Bill 54 and the California Values Act, which prohibit local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration enforcement.
Initially slated to receive an annual salary of $507,000, McDonnell’s compensation was adjusted to $450,000 by the Board of Police Commissioners due to budget concerns, according to the report. McDonnell replaces Chief Michel Moore, who retired in February. Interim chief Dominic Choi is expected to step down and serve as one of three assistant chiefs.
