As of March 1, The Los Angeles Police Department has an Asian American chief for the first time.
Assistant Chief Dominic H. Choi was unanimously appointed by the civilian Board of Police Commissioners to serve as interim chief of the LAPD.
The appointment follows the surprise retirement of Chief Michel Moore, who served with the department for 40 years.
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce praised the appointment in a statement, saying, “Interim Chief Choi’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the history of the LAPD, as he becomes the 58th chief and the first of Asian descent to hold this esteemed position.”
About Dominic Choi
Born in Los Angeles to Korean immigrants, Choi grew up in Orange County, and has always had ties to the city. He’s a Trojan! In 1995 he decided he wanted to join the force, and went through the academy. He has held almost every rank in the department while serving for the past couple of decades. Before becoming Assistant Chief, he was Director for the Office of Operations.
He said during his swearing in ceremony, “This isn’t about breaking barriers. It’s about building bridges.” While he’s proud of his heritage, he wants to promote communities coming together.
On the graffiti incident
Graffiti artists broke into downtown Los Angeles’ Oceanwide Plaza skyscraper development beginning of February, and tagged over 27 floors. The Oceanwide Plaza was supposed to be a $1 billion real estate project in downtown L.A., but it’s been empty since 2019.
Interim Chief Choi said the LAPD is now policing the perimeter of the towers 24 hours a day. The department are currently working with city officials to contract private security on the property. They are also working on recouping costs used to put up an anti-climb fence and fund security and clean-up.
Crime in Los Angeles
“This time last year…
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