LA County has the largest Sheriff’s Department in the United States, with 18,000 sworn and professional staff and a budget of $2.5 billion. In recent years, it’s been plagued with scandal, including jailhouse brutality. Six deputies have been sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy and misconduct, and the federal Justice Department is imposing a consent decree. In January, Lee Baca retired in disgrace.
Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell got 49.4% of the vote in the June primary—almost winning outright. Former Undersheriff Paul Tanaka made the runoff with 15%, and he has stopped campaigning. We’re joined in the studio by Chief McDonnell.
Warren Olney sits down with Jim McDonnell
Jim McDonnell in the WWLA? recording studio