The first Asian-American man will become Los Angeles police chief.
Dominic H. Choi, who previously served as deputy police chief, was unanimously appointed interim chief by the Police Commission on Wednesday.
The board praised Choi’s “rich experience.”
“He is a respected leader within the department and in the community, known for his wealth of knowledge and prudent decision-making,” the board said in a statement.
“The Police Commission is confident that he is uniquely qualified to lead the department into its next chapter and will lead the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department until a permanent chief is selected.”
The son of Korean immigrants, Choi began his career as a police officer in 1995. He served on patrol in multiple departments and was promoted to Inspector in the Foothills and Pacific region in 2014.
After his appointment, Choi acknowledged his history and pledged to represent all of LA.
“I am thrilled to serve as the first Korean-American Interim Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department and am proud to represent our community,” said Choi. “But I want to be absolutely clear: my role is to represent all communities within this city.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) praised Choi’s appointment this week.
“With this appointment, we will continue our work to make Los Angeles safer,” Bass said in a statement. “Interim Chief Choi has been with this city for over 28 years as a member of the police department, putting him in a unique position to not only lead the department, but to grow and improve it.”
Choi’s appointment comes amid increased scrutiny of the ministry.
Under former Secretary Michelle Moore, there were concerns about the department’s use of excessive force. killing of civilians by police Spread it.
But Choi said he has never used deadly force in the 28 years he has been a police officer.
Moore is now retired but will remain as a consultant to the department, according to the Associated Press.
Moore had promised to increase the diversity of the police department to reflect the nation’s second-largest city.
Los Angeles’ population is over 48 percent Hispanic or Latino, 41 percent white, 8.6 percent black, and 11.8 percent Asian. According to the 2022 census.
Of the 8,975 sworn employees, Department reports 54% are Hispanic, 25% are white, nearly 9% are black, and 8% are Asian American.
Choi is scheduled to become interim police chief on March 1, and he will remain in the position for the next six to nine months while the mayor and police commission search for a permanent replacement.
Mr. Choi was not allowed to offer his name for the permanent position, but he promised a smooth transition to whoever is chosen.
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