LOS ANGELES – Mayor Karen Bass today announced she has selected Jim McDonnell to serve as the 59th Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. Leaders from across Los Angeles issued the following statements praising the selection, which will make Angelenos safer.
Earlier today, Mayor Bass and Chief McDonnell met with nearly 100 LAPD officers during roll calls at North East and Hollenbeck Stations. The pair also visited Pink’s Hot Dogs where co-owner Beverly Pink introduced them to patrons. Photos and b-roll from the visits with officers and the visit to Pink’s Hot Dogs is available here. Click here for photos of Chief McDonnell.
U.S. Congressman Robert Garcia
“Jim McDonnell is a leader of the highest ethical character. He was incredibly effective as Long Beach Chief of Police and he earned the respect and trust of the community and his department. His experience in LAPD, LBPD, and as County Sheriff make him uniquely qualified to serve Los Angeles and the region. This is an excellent pick by Mayor Bass.”
Los Angeles City Council President Emeritus Paul Krekorian
“I congratulate Mayor Bass on her choice of Jim McDonnell to be the next Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. This is an excellent choice for a multitude of reasons. The breadth of his 40 years of experience in public safety in our region is unparalleled. Jim McDonnell is a proven innovator. As Deputy Chief of the LAPD in the 2000s, he helped pioneer the theory and practice of community policing. He has the steady hand we need to guide the LAPD through the challenges that lie ahead. We can trust him to restore morale, revitalize our recruiting efforts, and prepare our city for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In just four years, the eyes of the world will be on Los Angeles, and Jim McDonnell is the right leader to ensure that we are ready to shine on the global stage. I thank Mayor Bass for this wise decision, I congratulate Jim McDonnell on a well deserved appointment, and I thank him for undertaking this difficult but deeply rewarding mission.”
Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee (Read here)
“I’d like to commend Mayor Bass on her choice of Chief Jim McDonnell as the new Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. His extensive experience and proven leadership in law enforcement make him an exemplary choice for this vital role. Chief McDonnell’s experience in the LAPD, LASD, and LBPD, as well as his commitment to community policing and public safety, will serve him well in this role. I am confident and hopeful that his innovative approach will lead to a positive impact on Los Angeles. I look forward to working with him to achieve our shared vision for a safer Los Angeles. I would be remiss without thanking Chief Dominic Choi for his unwavering commitment to serving the City of Los Angeles these past months. His work will undoubtedly leave a positive impact on the City that will be felt in the years to come.”
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park (Read here)
“Los Angeles proudly welcomes Jim McDonnell as our new LAPD Chief! With his extensive experience and strong leadership, McDonnell will be instrumental in addressing our city’s public safety challenges. We look forward to working with him as we build a safer, more secure Los Angeles together.”
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky (Read here)
“Mayor Bass has made a strong choice in selecting Jim McDonnell as the next Chief of the LAPD. During my time working at the County of Los Angeles, I saw the leadership qualities that set him apart. Jim is committed to ensuring that public safety is balanced with accountability, and his focus on reform and building community trust makes him well-suited to lead the department. As Los Angeles prepares for significant events like the Olympics, his experience and approach will be invaluable in making sure our city is safe and prepared. I look forward to working with him to strengthen Los Angeles.”
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger
“I am excited Jim McDonnell will assume the top cop spot at the city of Los Angeles. As our former Sheriff, he brought vision, high standards for integrity, and a wealth of experience to the table. He stands for transparency and accountability and an ongoing commitment to meet the evolving needs of our Los Angeles County residents. I look forward to continuing our working relationship and partnership to support safer communities.”
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn
"I worked with Jim during his long career in the LAPD and as he led the Long Beach PD and our Sheriff’s Department. He brings the integrity, cool head, and steady hand to this job that our communities and the rank and file officers deserve. Jim also has a long history of working with Sheriff Robert Luna and I'm confident that with him at the helm of LAPD, our two largest law enforcement agencies will start a new chapter of close cooperation. When the safety of our communities is on the line, we can't afford anything less than that. I congratulate Jim McDonnell and applaud Mayor Bass on her decision.”
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis
“I want to applaud Mayor Karen Bass for appointing Jim McDonnell as the new Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Having worked alongside Chief McDonnell during his tenure as Sheriff of Los Angeles County, I can attest to his commitment to public safety and community engagement. I look forward to supporting Chief McDonnell as he embarks on this important role, ensuring that Angelenos are safe and that their voices are heard.”
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna
“I’d like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to my longtime friend, Jim McDonnell, on his appointment as the 59th Police Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. He brings a wealth of policing experience, a strong sense of integrity, and fresh, innovative strategies to the role and will be an exceptional leader in strengthening both the Department and City. Law enforcement is a collaborative effort, and I look forward to partnering with Chief McDonnell and the LAPD as we work to enhance community safety, address public safety challenges, and prepare for upcoming global events in Los Angeles.”
Antonio Villaraigosa, former Los Angeles Mayor (Read here)
“I’ve known Jim McDonnell for two decades and trust his dedication and perseverance to our city. I applaud Mayor Bass for this selection and know we have only to gain from Jim’s vast experience and leadership to keep Angelenos safe. The next LAPD Chief has a full plate with marquee global sporting events on the horizon and concern from small business owners, but I know Jim is up to the task and can earn the trust of L.A. to deliver.”
Wendy Greuel, former City Controller
“Jim McDonnell is an excellent choice to be the next Chief of the LAPD. I have worked with Jim throughout his career and he has the experience, knowledge and respect to lead the LAPD and serve the Los Angeles community. He is a dedicated public servant and knows what it takes to build partnerships and trust between the LAPD and the community. Congratulations Mayor Bass for choosing someone who is a nationally recognized expert on public safety and has a demonstrated commitment to Los Angeles.”
Michel Moore, former LAPD Chief of Police (Read here)
“Congratulations to Mayor Bass on her selection of the next COP for LAPD. Jim McDonnell is an exceptional leader. His leadership is rooted in unshakable integrity & a deep commitment to the Core Values of the Los Angeles Police Department.”
Bill Bratton, former LAPD Chief of Police
“I am very excited for the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Police profession at the selection of my good friend and colleague Jim McDonnell as the next chief of the city of Los Angeles Police Department. My compliments to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on the deliberative process that resulted in this selection. She and the city will not be disappointed.”
Los Angeles Police Protective League Board of Directors
“We have every confidence in Chief McDonnell’s ability to hit the ground running to improve public safety in Los Angeles and to appoint an upper command staff that will do away with the status quo and turn a new page for the LAPD. We pledge our support to Mayor Bass and Chief McDonnell to improve our department, and now it's time to get to work.”
Mary Leslie, President, Los Angeles Business Council
“We commend Mayor Bass’s choice of Jim McDonnell, a proven leader with extensive experience in Los Angeles, for Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. We look forward to his success in improving everyday safety for Angelenos while also taking on future security needs with L.A. hosting several worldwide events in the coming years. And we worked closely with him and have seen up close and personal the kind of transformative difference he can make for Los Angeles.”
Felton Williams, President of the Board of Education at Long Beach Unified School District
“Chief McDonnell is a change maker. During his time in Long Beach he worked hard to make our area safer and to build relations with the communities here — and it worked. I’m excited to see what’s to come for Los Angeles.”
Pastor KW Tulloss, President, Baptist Ministers Conference
“Chief McDonnell has a long history partnering and serving South Los Angeles dating back to working with Black churches to keep congregations safe from bomb threats in the 90s. We know Chief McDonnell. We’ve worked together before to make Los Angeles safer and I look forward to working together again.”
Pastor Charles Blake II, West Angeles Church of God in Christ
"We applaud Mayor Bass’ appointment of Officer Jim McDonnell as the new Chief of the LAPD in her efforts to balance crime prevention, Community trust, and mutual accountability. It was not an easy appointment but much reflection and insight went into her decision. It is our hope that Chief McDonnell’s desire to ensure respectful and constitutional policing practices in all that the department does will go far in strengthening the necessary relationship between the Police Department and the community it is sworn to serve."
Tracy Hernandez, Founding CEO, Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed)
"Business leaders across Los Angeles eagerly look to a safer tomorrow shaped by improved police morale, restored public confidence in the Los Angeles Police Department and effective systems of accountability. Mayor Karen Bass' wise selection of Jim McDonnell as our next LAPD Chief – a proven steady hand, compassionate leader and no-nonsense coalition builder who is the first person to serve in top executive roles in the three largest law enforcement agencies in the county – reflects a united vision for the city's future.”
Maria S. Salinas, President and CEO, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
“We commend Mayor Bass for selecting Jim McDonnell as the next Chief of Police. With his extensive background as a former Deputy Chief at LAPD, Chief of Police in Long Beach, and Sheriff of Los Angeles County, McDonnell brings a wealth of experience that makes him exceptionally qualified to lead our city’s law enforcement efforts. As Los Angeles gears up for the 2028 Olympic Games, McDonnell’s proven leadership and in-depth understanding of our region's public safety will be vital in safeguarding both residents and visitors. The Chamber looks forward to collaborating with him to uphold community safety and deliver an Olympic experience that highlights the very best of Los Angeles.”
Miguel Santana, President and CEO, California Community Foundation
"We believe that a thriving Los Angeles is a safe Los Angeles. Jim McDonnell brings extensive experience and a commitment to public service to this role and we look forward to partnering with him to restore morale, trust and stability within the department, and in the communities we all serve."
Lawrence Toliver, Owner, Toliver's Barbershop, South LA
“The selection of Jim McDonnell as Police Chief was an outstanding selection due to his commitment, dedication, honesty and expertise will make him a positive influence on all communities of Los Angeles.”
Greg Martayan, Vice President, The Valley Economic Alliance
“Mayor Bass’ appointment of Jim McDonnell as Chief of the LAPD is a testament to her unwavering commitment to building bridges between law enforcement and the diverse communities that make up our city. Jim McDonnell is not just a tremendous law enforcement leader, but a friend to all Angelenos and all stakeholders — his deep understanding of our neighborhoods and his dedication to justice and fairness make him the right person to guide our police force toward a future where public safety and trust go hand in hand.”
Joanna Mendelson, Senior Vice President, Jewish Federation Los Angeles
"The appointment of Jim McDonnell as Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department brings great optimism and confidence to our city. With decades of law enforcement experience and a proven track record of stellar leadership, McDonnell is well-prepared to guide the LAPD through the complex challenges facing our diverse communities. His commitment to building trust and fostering partnerships with all communities, including his decades-long partnership with the Jewish community, underscores his dedication to ensuring safety and justice for all Angelenos. As the Jewish community grapples with this moment of rising antisemitism and concerns, we are confident in McDonnell’s ability to provide a profound sense of hope, reassurance, and solutions through his leadership.”
Steve Kang, Director of External Affairs, Koreatown Youth Community Center (KYCC)
“I want to applaud Mayor Karen Bass on her selection of Jim McDonnell as the new Chief of Police of the Los Angeles Police Department. The former Sheriff has a strong track record of inclusive leadership and community engagement. During his tenure as Sheriff, Jim McDonnell worked very closely with Koreatown and the Korean American community to ensure that all voices were reflected in the policies implemented by his department. I look forward to welcoming the new Chief and continuing to strengthen the relationship between our community and the LAPD.”
Chuck Wexler, Executive Director, Police Executive Research Forum
“Jim McDonnell brings considerable experience as a progressive leader in policing who knows both the strengths and challenges that the LAPD faces.”
Nella McOsker, President and CEO, Central City Association (CCA)
"Congratulations to Jim McDonnell on being selected by Mayor Karen Bass as the next LAPD Chief. As DTLA and our broader city grapple with public safety challenges, it's important to have a steady hand leading those who protect and serve us. Additionally, as Los Angeles welcomes the world for major events like Olympic and Paralympic Games, our city will be well served by his considerable experience. CCA looks forward to continuing our partnership with the department — a cornerstone in keeping our communities safe.”