Wave Wire Services
LOS ANGELES — Mayor Karen Bass swore in Dominic Choi as the interim chief of Los Angeles Police Department March 1, the first Asian-American to hold the position.
The ceremony at LAPD headquarters took place just a day after former Chief Michel Moore, who was in attendance at the swearing-in ceremony, formally retired.
“The number one job of mayor is to keep Angelenos safe, and it is my honor to be here today, as we swear-in Dominic Choi as interim chief of police, as we work to do just that: keep Los Angeles safe,” Bass said.
After Choi was sworn in, his father pinned his new badge on his uniform.
“For me, today marks more than just a personal achievement — it symbolizes the progress that we’re making towards a more inclusive and representative law enforcement agency,” Choi said. “And it speaks volumes about the diversity that this city has — the vibrance and the dynamics that we all know it to be. And as we celebrate this milestone, let us recognize that our differences are our strength.”
Moore spent his final day as chief of the Los Angeles Police Department Feb. 29.
“Today is my last day as chief of police of the finest police department in America,” Moore said in a statement. “It has been an honor and privilege to have served Los Angeles for more than four decades. As I look forward to my next adventure with my family, I am proud of the dedication of our people and know the future for Los Angeles and the LAPD is bright.”
At about 3 p.m. that day, hundreds of uniformed officers and civilian LAPD employees gathered outside the department’s downtown headquarters and formed an Honor Cordon, saluting and cheering as Moore exited the building for the final time as chief.
Accompanied by his wife and bodyguards, Moore walked through the crowd, occasionally stopping to shake hands or hug people in the line. Uniformed officers saluted as he walked by, then clapped their hands as he made his way to a waiting car.
The Honor Cordon is considered one of the department’s highest tributes.
Moore said he plans to move away from Los Angeles to be closer to his daughter, though he will retain a consultant role with the city.
The Board of Police Commissioners has selected Choi as the interim chief of police. The son of Korean immigrants, Choi was raised locally and began his career with the LAPD in 1995 after earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting from USC.
He was promoted to detective at the LAPD’s Harbor Division in 2001, to sergeant in the 77th Street area in 2002, lieutenant in 2009 and captain in 2014. In December 2017, he was promoted to commander and assigned to the Operations-Central Bureau. He also was appointed as the department’s homeless coordinator and remained in that position until July 2019.
He became deputy chief in August 2019 and assistant chief in July 2021.
In January, Choi was appointed director of the Office of Operations, responsible for South Bureau Homicide Division, LAX Field Services Division, the Department Homeless Coordinator, Operations-Central Bureau, Operations-South Bureau, Operations-West Bureau and Operations-Valley Bureau.
Choi is married with three children.
According to LAPD, Choi’s leadership will mark a “pivotal” chapter in the LAPD’s journey, reflecting a dedication to inclusivity, community engagement and effective law enforcement practices.
In an early February news conference Choi said his priority will be to maintain stability in the department as the city continues its search for the new chief of police, as well as focusing on bolstering the LAPD’s ranks.
Choi also confirmed he would not apply to fill the position permanently, following rules that the commissioners established in their search for an interim chief.
Bass and the Board of Police Commissioners are to continue a nationwide search for the next chief of police who will lead the department through world events coming to the L.A. region, such as the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
Jose Herrera is a reporter for City News Service.