LAPD Chief Michel Moore, shown at a press conference at the Wilshire Division in 2022, served as chief of police since 2018. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore has announced he is retiring at the end of February after serving with the LAPD since 1981, and a chief of police since 2018.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined Moore at a press conference on Jan. 19 announcing his retirement. The Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners is expected to appoint an interim chief in the coming days as the city conducts a nationwide search for the next head of the LAPD.

“I want to thank Chief Michel Moore for his more than 40 years of service to the people of Los Angeles, and for his partnership in bringing homicides and violent crime down over the last year,” Bass said. “Amidst a national police recruiting crisis, LAPD also saw more than 1,000 applicants to its academy in a single month, which is the highest number in years. I have directed the immediate launch of a nationwide search for LAPD’s next chief, which will include significant community input and consultation with law enforcement officers and experts. The appointment of an interim chief will be made by the Board of Police Commissioners.”

Moore was appointed to serve a second five-year term in January 2023 and initially announced his intention to conclude his service before global events such as the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Moore said he is accelerating plans to retire, citing a desire to spend more time with family.

“I am proud of my leadership and service over the course of my tenure as the chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. Our people rose to each occasion and demonstrated professionalism, grace and grit,” Moore said. “I am confident there is ample leadership within the organization to continue the world class public service provided each and every day to the city of Los Angeles.”

Moore has been awarded the department’s Medal of Valor, Police Medal, Police Star and Meritorious Service Medal. After rising through the ranks, he was promoted to captain in 1998, commander in 2002, deputy chief in 2004 and assistant chief in 2010. He formerly served as director of the Office of Special Operations and Office of Administrative Services. Moore was also chair of the LAPD’s Use of Force Review Board. In 2018, he was sworn in by former Mayor Eric Garcetti as the 57th chief of the LAPD.

Moore has agreed to remain as a consultant for the city during the hiring process for the new police chief, which officials said will take several months.

“The Board of Police Commissioners would like to thank Chief Michel Moore for more than 40 years of dedicated public service. His leadership, as a longstanding member of the command staff, rising to the position of chief of police, has guided the department through many storms. We are grateful for his time protecting and serving the people of this great city,” read a statement from the police commission. “In the coming weeks, we will celebrate Chief Moore’s tenure, and we hope you will join us in celebrating him and sending him into his next chapter with our deepest appreciation.”