Assistant Chief Dominic Choi, 53, a Korean American, has been named interim chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
This is the first time a Korean-American has been appointed to lead the LAPD since its founding in 1869.
The LAPD Board of Commissions voted unanimously on February 7 to appoint Assistant Chief Dominic Choi as the LAPD’s interim chief.
“Choi will be the LAPD’s first Asian-American chief,” the Board said in a statement.
The commission cited Choi as a well-respected leader within the department and the community, known for his vast knowledge and measured decision-making, in the community as reasons for his appointment.
Choi will begin leading the LAPD on March 1.
“Interim Chief Choi’s more than 28 years of service to this city as a member of the police department put him in a unique position to not only lead, but to grow and improve our department,” said LA Mayor Karen Bass on February 7.
Interim Chief Choi has continued to make history within the LAPD. In 2019, he became the first Korean American to be promoted to deputy chief. In 2020, he was promoted to Assistant Chief, the second highest rank in the department, just below Chief, making him the highest ranked Korean-American officer in the LAPD’s 150-year history.