“I am proud of my roots (of Korean descent). “As head of the Police Department, I will serve all Los Angeles citizens.”
In Los Angeles, the largest city in the western United States, Dominic H. Choi (54), a Korean-American, was appointed as police commissioner, the lowest position in the police department. This is the first time that an Asian chief has been appointed since the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) was founded in 1869.
The LA Police Commission announced on the 7th (local time), “All members agreed to appoint Chief Deputy Director Dominic Choi as interim director of the LAPD.” With over 10,000 police officers and other employees, the LAPD is the second-largest police organization in the United States after the New York Police (NYPD).
At the acceptance ceremony held on this day, the new director Choi expressed his ambition, saying, “I will strive to improve the morale and welfare of police officers and thoroughly prepare for new tasks such as mental illness, homeless people, and responding to large gatherings.” As a second-generation immigrant, he said, “I have always been proud of my roots (as a Korean immigrant). But apart from this, I will work for all LA citizens.”
However, the new director Choi is a temporary director whose term is guaranteed only until this summer. Director Choi was appointed after former Director Michael Moore resigned last month due to controversy over excessive police force. According to regulations, a temporary director cannot apply as a full-time director. Director Choi responded, “I am fully satisfied with my role,” and “I love this job.”
The LA Times, a local newspaper, said, “Chief Director Choi’s appointment is a safe choice,” and added, “He has been promoted rapidly based on his knowledgeable understanding of all aspects of police work.” Deputy Chief of Police Donald Graham, a Filipino-American classmate at the LAPD Police Academy, was also happy, saying, “Hate attacks against Asians have increased rapidly in the United States, but Director Choi’s appointment is a symbol that our society is moving in the direction of healing.”
New Director Choi was born in LA after his parents immigrated to the United States. He graduated from the prestigious University of Southern California (USC)’s accounting department and worked at an accounting firm for about two years before being appointed as a police officer in 1995. He served in various police departments in California, and distinguished himself in 2001 by working as a detective specializing in anti-communist and gang crimes at the Harbor Police Department.
New Director Choi was promoted to commander (police officer) in 2017, becoming the second Korean-American to do so. The first Korean-American LAPD officer was Officer Paul Kim, who retired in 2005. Afterwards, Choi was promoted to Deputy Director in 2019 and Senior Deputy Director in 2020.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.