Interim Police Chief Selected for LAPD

The city has selected an interim chief after the announcement last month of Chief Michael Moore stepping down as Chief of LAPD. 

The Board of Police Commissioners selected Assistant Chief Dominic H. Choi. Chief Choi is a 28-year veteran of the department and the first Asian-American to serve as the city's top cop. 

Moore’s Retirement

Chief Michael Moore has served the past five and a half years as LAPD Chief and is a 42-year veteran of the police force. 

According to the Los Angeles Times, Moore stepped down to spend more time with his family. 

The Los Angeles Police Commission unanimously reappointed Moore as chief in February 2023. So, his retirement announcement came as a surprise only a year into the new term.  

Next Steps 

The interim chief is not a candidate for the permanent appointment. That is a condition of his appointment to the role. 

The national search will continue for the new permanent leader of the LAPD over the next six to nine months. 

The three criteria that the Los Angeles Protective League is looking for in a new chief are:

• Rebuilding the number of police officers on the force
• Reducing violent crime 
• Improving morale

Mayor Karen Bass is asking for the community's input on the qualities to look for in a new chief. At a recent BizFed Board Meeting, the mayor asked the business community to provide feedback on the new chief. 

Additionally, she is not limiting the search to someone already in the department. The search committee is looking nationwide for the next LAPD leader. 

The mayor is expected to appoint the new chief later this summer.  

Impact on Commercial Real Estate  

The police chief greatly influences public safety policies and their implementation and enforcement. This influence especially matters for commercial and retail areas where crime has been a major issue recently. 

When it comes to how safe the area around their buildings is, department morale, staffing levels, and LAPD leadership have a direct impact on our members.

While it remains to be seen whether Mayor Bass will release the names of candidates when the search for the next chief reaches its next stages, BOMA/GLA will pay close attention to the process and encourage policies to improve public safety in Los Angeles. 

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