LOS ANGELES — Dominic Choi was unanimously appointed interim police chief by the Los Angeles Police Commission following the resignation of longtime Chief Michael Moore. 

The 28-year LAPD veteran will oversee the effort to expand staffing as Mayor Karen Bass has set the goal of having 9,500 police officers in the department.

Choi joined “Inside the Issus” host Amrit Singh to provide his vision for the department and how he plans to serve in the role.

With his appointment, Choi became the first Asian-American Los Angeles chief of police.

“I am the chief of police for everybody within Los Angeles. That doesn’t minimize my pride in my heritage and my background. I’m very happy that I can represent the Korean community,” Choi said.

Bass announced over 1,200 people applied for police officers in January, setting a two-year high in applicants. Choi sees this as a positive sign after the department endured several years of staffing struggles. 

“There were several global events that posed challenges from several years ago,” Choi said. “One being COVID, there was a budget issue and a hiring freeze… and I think the overall national police sentiment was that policing wasn’t the place to start your career the last few years.”

Choi points to the increase in applications as a sign that things are changing for the department.

As Los Angeles Interim Police Chief, Choi must also prepare the department for the next person to take over the role. 

He’s planning on identifying areas that need to be addressed to help guide the next person.

“I want to make sure that I leave this place, as a chief, better than I found it,” Choi said.

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