Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell was sworn in as the chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, drawing one of the highest police chief salaries in the U.S. for a major city. The city council approved McDonnell’s base salary of $450,000, down from the initial proposal of $507,509. The salary range for the position was set at $408,475 to $507,509 during the search process.
McDonnell, 65, will lead a force of nearly 9,000 officers, succeeding Interim Chief Dominic Choi. His salary surpasses that of the New York Police Department commissioner and Chicago’s Superintendent of Police. It also exceeds the current LA County sheriff’s salary.
The city council confirmed McDonnell's appointment in a 10-2 vote, with some councilmembers opposing the decision due to budget concerns. However, Chuck Wexler of the Police Executive Research Forum noted that West Coast police chiefs generally earn more than their East Coast counterparts.
McDonnell expressed gratitude for the salary, describing it as reflective of his experience and education. The appointment faced opposition from immigration advocates, but McDonnell assured that LAPD would protect the immigrant community and not cooperate with mass deportations.
Mayor Karen Bass selected McDonnell out of three candidates, including Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides and former Assistant Chief Robert “Bobby” Arcos. McDonnell, who served as LA County Sheriff and spent 29 years in the LAPD, aims to protect and serve the diverse city of Los Angeles.
