LA Board of Police Commissioners considering $507,000 salary for next LAPD chief

The Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners will meet Tuesday, Nov. 5, to consider a proposed annual salary of $507,509 for former LA County Sheriff Jim McDonnell, the expected next chief of the Los Angeles Police Department.

The proposed salary exceeds the $350,000 initially earned by Michel Moore, who retired in February, leaving Dominic Choi as interim chief.

If approved by the commission, the proposed salary would require a vote by the City Council.

“The Mayor looks forward to working with Chief McDonnell to keep Los Angeles safe by growing and strengthening the LAPD, deepening relationships with communities across the city, and ensuring Los Angeles is vigilant and prepared for everything that comes our way,” said Zachary Seidl. , spokesperson for Mayor Karen Bass said in an email.

“The Police Commission shall determine the salary of the Chief of Police within the limits of the pay scale for that position,” he added.

McDonnell’s proposed salary also exceeds that of Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, who makes about $397,340, according to city and county data, and President Joe Biden, who has an annual salary of $400,000.

The proposed salary would also exceed that of New York Police Department commissioners, who earn about $243,000 annually, as well as Chicago Police Chief Larry Snelling at $260,472 and Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz at $315,000.

McDonnell’s appointment could be considered by the City Council next Friday, according to an LAPD report.

The City Council’s Public Safety Committee advanced McDonnell’s nomination on a 4-1 vote last week after discussing his plans for the department and his views on issues including immigration, police discipline, pretext stops, recruitment and low morale.

LAPD officials reported Oct. 15 that recruiting problems persist, with the department’s sworn workforce totaling 8,795.

McDonnell would not be the highest paid city employee. In May, the city council confirmed Janisse Quiñones, former director of Pacific Gas and Electric, as general manager of the Department of Water and Energy with an annual salary of $750,000.

Funding for Quiñones’ salary comes directly from DWP revenues and does not impact the city’s general fund.

According to a representative from Bass’ office, city officials supported the $750,000 salary in an effort to remain competitive with private and public agencies. Quiñones’ salary is comparable to rates in Nebraska’s Omaha Public Power District and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District.