Jim McDonnell

• Rank: Chief of Police
• Bureau/Division/Office: Office of Chief of Police
• Email: 23297@lapd.online

Bio

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.

In 2010, Chief McDonnell took on the role of Chief of Police for the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD), serving with distinction for nearly five years. Under his leadership, the City of Long Beach saw significant reductions in both violent and property crime. The LBPD was also recognized for its achievements in counter-terrorism, gang intervention, human trafficking investigations, and community relations.

In 2014, Chief McDonnell was elected Sheriff of Los Angeles County, where he continued his commitment to transparency and accountability. He established several key oversight mechanisms, including the Civilian Oversight Commission, the Constitutional Policing Advisor, the Shooting Analysis Committee, and the Audit and Accountability Bureau. He also launched a public data-sharing initiative to restore trust and build stronger community relations between the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and the citizens they served.

After his tenure as Sheriff, Chief McDonnell founded his own consulting firm, where he advised cities, organizations, and educational institutions on public safety and leadership development. In 2023, he was appointed Director of the Safe Communities Institute at the Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California (USC), which focused on leadership development education for public safety professionals.

Chief McDonnell is an active member of several prominent law enforcement organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the National Executive Institute Associates, and the California State Sheriffs’ Association. Locally, he is involved with the Los Angeles County Police Chief’s Association and the Peace Officers Association of Los Angeles County. A strong advocate for charity, Chief McDonnell is passionate about supporting organizations that assist underprivileged children.

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.

In addition to his Bachelor’s degree, Chief McDonnell holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from USC and is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Executive Institute. He has also completed executive education programs at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Chief McDonnell is married with two children; His experience as a family man deeply influences his vision for public safety. He understands that the strength of any community lies in the well-being of its families. With this in mind, he remains dedicated to building a safer, more resilient Los Angeles where every family can thrive.