LOS ANGELES—Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Michel Moore requested reappointment for a second term, writing in a letter to the Board of Police Commissioners that there remains “more work to be done” and he has a “strong desire” to continue to lead the department.
Moore, a 40-year veteran of the department, has served as chief since 2018 when he was appointed by former Mayor Eric Garcetti. His current term ends in June 2023.
In a statement, Commission President William Briggs said he was pleased that Moore was seeking reappointment. The commission will take up Moore’s request in closed session, with an opportunity for public comment prior to a decision. Police chiefs can serve a maximum of two five-year terms.
“Chief Moore is an outstanding law enforcement executive who is recognized nationally for his expertise,” Briggs said.
Briggs added that Moore has guided the department through “unprecedented times.” Moore, in his letter submitted to the commission Monday, cited a “historic pandemic, severe staffing reductions, a resurgence of homicides and gun-related crimes, and civil unrest.”
Mayor Karen Bass, who took office a few weeks ago, did not say whether she would grant Moore’s request for reappointment in a statement, only noting that she would meet with the chief to “discuss his request and my vision to keep Angelenos safe in every neighborhood.”
Last month, Bass said on CBS’s “Face the Nation” that she had “no desire” to replace Moore.
But Bass added that she would “revisit” Moore’s appointment along with “many other general managers.”
In his letter, Moore cited a desire to address “significant departures of senior staff members” and to improve diversity in senior leadership positions. He also sought to restore “depleted staffing levels” as Los Angeles prepares to host the World Cup and Olympics in the coming years.
“No matter the challenges, our purposeful focus of deepening our community engagement, acknowledging our shortfalls, and expanding our partnerships have shown real results,” Moore said.
Moore joined the Los Angeles Police Department in 1981. He was promoted to captain in 1998. His assignments included assuming command at Rampart Area following the arrest of Rafael Perez and during the 2000 Democratic National Convention.
