Dominic Choi, an Assistant Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), has been appointed Chief of Staff to Chief Jim McDonnell, effectively becoming the department’s second-in-command. While he retains his assistant chief rank, the new role places him at the center of daily operations and strategic planning.
The appointment was part of a broader leadership reshuffle reported by the Los Angeles Times on July 22, marking McDonnell’s first major round of high-level personnel changes. The restructuring aims to bolster the LAPD’s leadership capacity ahead of major upcoming events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Choi, a Korean American, previously served as interim police chief starting in March 2024, following the resignation of Michael Moore. He became the first Asian American to lead the LAPD as its 58th chief and held the role for approximately seven months. His tenure earned recognition for decisive leadership and extensive institutional knowledge, gained over a 28-year LAPD career.
Born in Los Angeles, Choi graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) with a degree in accounting. He worked for two years at an accounting firm before joining the LAPD in November 1995.
As part of the shake-up, Emada Tingirides was appointed Deputy Chief of Patrol Operations, becoming the first Black woman to reach a top command post in the department. Scott Harrelson was named Deputy Chief of Support Services, and Michael Rimkunas was assigned to lead Special Operations.
Additionally, McDonnell reinstated the Personnel Division, which had been disbanded in 2004.
Separately, Brian O’Connor, former commander of the Olympic Division, which includes Koreatown, retired in late June 2024. Captain Rachel Rodriguez is currently serving as acting commander.
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
