Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell was sworn in as the chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, making him one of the highest-paid police chiefs in the country for a major city. The city council approved a base salary of $450,000 for McDonnell, which is lower than the initial proposal of $507,509. McDonnell will lead a force of nearly 9,000 officers that was previously led by Interim Chief Dominic Choi. The salary range for the position was set at $408,475 to $507,509 during the search process, with McDonnell making more than the previous chief’s salary.
Comparing McDonnell’s salary to other top police chiefs in major cities, the New York Police Department commissioner makes around $243,000, and Chicago’s Superintendent of Police makes $275,748. McDonnell’s salary of $450,000 also exceeds the current LA County sheriff’s salary of $397,340. The city council confirmed McDonnell’s appointment in a 10-2 vote, with some council members opposing the decision due to budget concerns. However, Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, explained that West Coast police chiefs generally earn more than their East Coast counterparts, with LA traditionally ranking among the highest.
Critics have labeled McDonnell’s salary as “exorbitant” given the city council’s budget issues. However, McDonnell defended his compensation, stating that he was honored to receive the salary determined by the commission. The $450,000 salary does not include benefits or potential bonuses, and McDonnell will also be allowed to continue receiving pension payments from his previous roles. The decision to hire McDonnell came after a lengthy and tumultuous public comment period, with opposition from immigration advocates who raised concerns about McDonnell’s past collaboration with federal authorities.
During his confirmation hearing, McDonnell addressed concerns about immigration issues and emphasized that the LAPD would protect the city’s immigrant community. He stated that the LAPD would not cooperate with mass deportations or take action to determine an individual’s immigration status. McDonnell’s appointment was heavily opposed by immigration advocates who feared his past actions as sheriff. Mayor Karen Bass selected McDonnell out of three candidates, including Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides and former Assistant Chief Robert “Bobby” Arcos, after meeting with LAPD officers and community leaders.
McDonnell’s experience includes serving as the LA County Sheriff in 2014 and spending 29 years in the LAPD. He also served as Long Beach’s police chief for almost five years. Despite the controversy surrounding his appointment, McDonnell expressed his commitment to protecting the city and its residents. His assurance to not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement aligns with the city’s values as a diverse and immigrant-friendly community. As he takes on the role of the chief of the LAPD, McDonnell faces the challenge of leading a large police force while addressing concerns about his past actions and ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Los Angeles.
