Assistant LAPD Chief Dominic H. Choi was tapped to be the interim chief of the department on Wednesday, less than a month after outgoing Chief Michel Moore announced his retirement.
“This appointment will continue our work to make Los Angeles safer,” L.A. Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement. “I look forward to working with Interim Chief Choi in the coming months as he provides steady and stable leadership for our police department.”
The son of Korean immigrants, Choi has spent more than 28 years with the LAPD and will be the first Asian-American to lead the department. He starts his new role March 1.
“I realize this appointment comes with tremendous, tremendous responsibility,” Choi said at a news conference inside City Hall.
Choi, who was unanimously approved by the police commission, said he planned to focus on training, employee mental wellness, to be better prepared for public demonstrations, and establish a smooth framework for transition when the next chief is picked.
As an interim chief, Choi said he is not in the running for the permanent role. His role is only expected to last around nine months while a nationwide search next chief continues.
Choi also said one of the biggest challenges facing the LAPD is hiring and retaining employees to backfill depleted ranks.
Choi joined the force in 1995 after attending USC. He’s held several positions within the department, including detective, lieutenant and was promoted to deputy chief in 2019. According to his bio page on the LAPD’s website, Choi was born in Los Angeles and currently lives in Orange County.
Outgoing chief Moore, meanwhile, praised Choi’s record.
“I have known Dominic for many years and have had the privilege of seeing his accomplished leadership skills and his unbridled commitment…
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