An Asian-American deputy chief was named interim chief of the Los Angeles Police Department on Wednesday, putting him in charge of a department that has been largely led by white men.
Deputy Chief Dominic H. Choi was appointed unanimously by the Civilian Police Commission. Choi, the son of Korean immigrants, will start on March 1 and become the first Asian American to head the agency.
“I’m very happy to be the first Korean-American interim chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, and I’m proud to represent that community. But I want to be absolutely clear that my role is about representing all communities in this city,” he said. . ”
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The appointment follows the sudden resignation of Commissioner Michelle Moore, whose tenure was marked by excessive force and intense scrutiny of police killings of civilians in the nation’s second-largest city. Choi said that in his 28 years as an officer, he had never used deadly force.
Close-up of LAPD vehicle insignia and slogan. (St. Petersburg)
Choi will be appointed by the Mayor and the Police Commission over the next six to nine months to permanently lead the Los Angeles Police Department’s leadership and the department of approximately 9,000 police officers nationwide during the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. He will serve as interim chief while a search is underway for a suitable successor. .
Mr. Moore will remain as a consultant for an undetermined period.
In order to take up this position, Mr. Choi cannot apply for the permanent chief position. He promised to make preparations for a smooth transition to the next person.
“My philosophy as interim chief is not to go in there and turn things around and make significant changes,” he said at a news conference Wednesday announcing his appointment.
Choi began his career as a police officer in 1995 and was promoted to deputy chief, one rank below the chief, in 2021. His role with the department includes serving as the agency’s homeless coordinator.
The Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union representing rank-and-file police officers, praised Choi’s promotion.
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“The appointment of Deputy Chief Dominic Choi to lead the Los Angeles Police Department is an excellent choice that will provide confidence to the public during this interim period as the search for a permanent chief takes place,” the league’s board of directors said in a statement.
