LA Police Department in the US Appoints First Korean-American Chief in 155 Years

Dominic Choi, Korean-American, Unanimously Appointed Interim Police Commissioner
"I Will Not Overlook Any Community," Pledge

A Korean American has been appointed as the head of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the largest city in the western United States. This is the first time an Asian American has become chief since the LAPD was established in 1869.

On the 7th (local time), LA Mayor Karen Bass announced, “Dominic Choi (53), a Korean American and the senior deputy chief, has been appointed as the interim chief to lead the LAPD.” It is reported that Choi’s appointment was unanimously approved by the LA Police Commission.

Chief Choi was born in LA as the child of Korean immigrants. He graduated from the prestigious University of Southern California (USC) with a degree in accounting and worked for an accounting firm for about two years before being appointed as a police officer in 1995. After serving at various frontline police stations in California, he distinguished himself in 2001 as a detective specializing in community and gang crimes at the Harbor Police Station.

Dominic Choi (left), the interim police chief of Los Angeles (LA), and Karen Bass, Mayor of LA
[Image source=Yonhap News]

He was promoted to commander in 2017, becoming the second Korean American commander in LAPD history, following Paul Kim, the first Korean LAPD commander who retired in 2005. He was then promoted to deputy chief in 2019 and to senior deputy chief in 2020.

At the swearing-in ceremony held that day, Chief Choi expressed his aspirations, saying, “I am always proud of my roots as a Korean American immigrant, but apart from that, I will serve all LA residents without neglecting any community.” He added, “I will work to boost police morale and welfare and be thoroughly prepared for new challenges such as mental health issues, homelessness, and responses to large-scale demonstrations.”

In a statement released that day, the LA Police Commission said, “Senior Deputy Chief Choi is ready to serve as the interim chief based on his 28 years of experience in the department,” and introduced him as “a respected leader in both the police department and the community, known for his extensive knowledge and prudent decision-making.”

However, Chief Choi’s term is limited until this summer. According to regulations, an interim chief cannot apply to become the permanent chief. In response, Chief Choi said, “I am fully satisfied with the role I have been given, and I love this job.”

Previously, former LAPD Chief Michael Moore announced his resignation last month after facing criticism over the excessive use of force by the LA police.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.