Command Staff Promotions NR18299cr

The Los Angeles Police Department is proud to announce several command staff promotions and new assignments that will strengthen our organization’s commitment to quality service, integrity in all we say and do, and diversity in experiences and backgrounds. These significant organizational changes will usher in the next generation of public safety leaders dedicated to creating healthy communities and building relationships with our residents.

New Assistant Chief

Jon Peters – Assistant Chief of Office of Support Services

Jon Peters was born in Santa Monica, California, and raised in Fresno, California, where he attended San Joaquin Memorial High School. Peters earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with a Minor Degree in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, and a Masters of Arts Degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. Additionally, Peters is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and a Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) certified instructor. He most recently served as the Deputy Chief of Personnel and Training Bureau.

New Deputy Chief

Martin Baeza – Deputy Chief of Personnel and Training Bureau

Martin Baeza was born in Yucatan Mexico, immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of two, and settled in Los Angeles. After attending East Los Angeles College, he earned a Bachelors degree in applied Business Management and Master’s degree in Organizational Management from Azusa Pacific University and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Baeza became a Los Angeles Police officer in 1989, fulfilling a childhood dream. He has worked various operational and administrative functions throughout his tenure. Most recently he served as the Commanding Officer of the Traffic Group. He is a graduate of the Sherman Block Leadership Institution and the West Point Leadership Program

New Commanders

David J. Kowalski – Assistant Commanding Officer-South Bureau

David Kowalski was raised in Peabody, Massachusetts. Upon graduating from high school in 1988, Captain Kowalski enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. His service included a deployment to the Middle East during the Persian Gulf War and the liberation of Kuwait. In 2013, he was promoted to Captain and assigned to Newton Area as the Patrol Commanding Officer. In 2015, he was selected as Commanding Officer of South Traffic Division, where he received the 2015 Excellence in Leadership Award for his impact on crime fighting efforts. Captain Kowalski graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, and graduated from California State University Fullerton with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. He has also attended the LAPD’s Leadership Program. Most recently Kowalski was the Area Commanding Officer of Olympic Division.

Michael Oreb – Assistant Commanding Officer-Transit Rail Services Group

Michael Oreb was born and raised in San Pedro, California, graduating from San Pedro High School in 1982. He comes from a long line of Los Angeles Police Officers: His great-grandfather (John G. Magness) was killed in the line of duty in 1920 while working University Division (now known as Southwest Area); his great-uncle (Zack P. Magness) retired from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) as a Captain of Detectives; and two other uncles retired in the late 1960s after lengthy and successful LAPD careers. In 2005, Captain Oreb earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Studies from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). He is a graduate of the LAPD West Point Leadership and earned a Master’s Degree in Emergency Services from CSULB in 2008. He is currently a member of the Police Officers’ Association of Los Angeles County (POALAC). In January 2012, he was promoted to Captain of Central Patrol Division and has since assumed his current command at Internal Affairs Administrative Investigative Division.

New Patrol Captains

Brian Morrison -Pacific Area

Johnny Smith – Harbor Area

Ahmad Zarekani – Olympic Area