Nationwide Search to Commence; Interim Chief on Next Tuesday’s Commission Agenda
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass today announced that LAPD Chief Michel Moore will retire at the end of February and be retained on contract during the transition to a new chief.
“I want to thank Chief Michel Moore for his more than 40 years of service to the people of Los Angeles, and for his partnership in bringing homicides and violent crime down over the last year," said Mayor Karen Bass. "Amidst a national police recruiting crisis, LAPD also saw more than 1,000 applicants to its academy in a single month, which is the highest number in years. I have directed the immediate launch of a nationwide search for LAPD’s next chief, which will include significant community input and consultation with law enforcement officers and experts. The appointment of an interim chief will be made by the Board of Police Commissioners.”
Chief Moore was appointed to serve a second term in January 2023 and announced it was his intention to conclude his service in advance of global events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Chief Moore led LAPD through a global pandemic as well as record-low hiring rates at law enforcement agencies throughout the nation.
“I am proud of my leadership and service over the course of my tenure as the Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. Our people rose to each occasion and demonstrated professionalism, grace, and grit,” said LAPD Chief Michel Moore. “I am confident there is ample leadership within the organization to continue the world class public service provided each and every day to the City of Los Angeles.”
Chief Moore joined the LAPD in 1981 and has been awarded the Medal of Valor, the Police Medal, the Police Star, and the Meritorious Service Medal. After rising through the ranks of police officer, detective, sergeant and lieutenant working various patrol, investigative and administrative assignments, he was promoted to Captain in 1998. He was appointed as Commander in 2002, Deputy Chief in 2004, and Assistant Chief in 2010, with assignments including Director, Office of Special Operations and Director, Office of Administrative Services. He was also the Chair of the LAPD’s Use of Force Review Board. In 2016, he was promoted to First Assistant Chief, and in 2018, he was sworn in by Mayor Eric Garcetti as the 57th Chief of Police.
He earned his BS in Business and Management and MBA from the University of Redlands. He is also a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum, the Senior Management Institute for Police, the Supervisory Leadership Institute, and the West Point Leadership program.