Join us for a very special Breakfast with the Chamber
featuring LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell.
Location to be determined.
Chief Jim McDonnell brings over four decades of distinguished service to law enforcement, marked by innovation, leadership, and a deep commitment to community safety. Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Chief McDonnell moved to Los Angeles after graduating from St. Anselm College with a degree in Criminal Justice, joining the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in 1981. During his nearly 30 years with the Department, he worked in nearly every role, eventually rising to become First Assistant Chief.
During his LAPD career, Chief McDonnell distinguished himself as a national expert in Community Policing, helping to transform the Department’s approach. He was instrumental in positioning the LAPD as a model for departments across the country. Throughout his career, he played a key role in training officers in cutting-edge best practices, including strategies for de-escalating volatile situations through negotiation and creative intervention tactics. He also expanded the Mental Evaluation Unit (MEU), increasing the number of available teams to respond to calls in the field, helping to reduce the use of force whenever possible. Through his leadership, he emphasized public safety through thoughtful, measured actions.
Chief McDonnell’s vision for the Los Angeles Police Department focuses on officer morale and wellness, recruitment and retention, accountability and transparency, and crime reduction. He is dedicated to continuing the Department’s mission of reducing the fear and incidence of crime and enhancing public safety throughout Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Police Department is one of the largest and most innovative law enforcement agencies in the world. It is responsible for providing police service to an area encompassing 468 square miles and 21 community areas, representing approximately over 4 million residents as of 2023.
