EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass recently announced the appointment of former LA County Sheriff Jim McDonnell to be the Los Angeles Police Department’s next chief. 

McDonnell will inherit the police force at a crucial time in LA, as the city gears up to host major events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. 

“Inside the Issues” host Amrit Singh discussed the selection of McDonnell with UCLA Blueprint Magazine editor Jim Newton, who detailed a recent conversation with McDonnell on his goal to restore to a sentiment to the department seen leading up to the 1984 Summer Olympics. 

“[McDonnell] felt that department in those days had a sense of cohesion, mission and purpose,” said Newton. “What really changes the fundamentals of the department is that sense of purpose and mission, especially when it’s in conjunction with the community.”

Newton noted how large-scale events like the Olympics are not only an opportunity for Los Angeles to project itself as a safe place to be during the Games, but also an opportunity for the McDonnell-led LAPD to rally together. 

“I wasn’t here in the run-up to the 1984 Olympics, McDonnell was, and the fact that he recalls that fondly and for that reason, I think is important,” Newton said. 

Newton also discussed high-profile local issues like governance reform ballot measures in Los Angeles and the race for LA County district attorney.

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