Career Timeline of Jim McDonnell (sheriff): Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 9, 2025

Discover the career path of Jim McDonnell (sheriff), from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jim McDonnell is an American law enforcement officer. He has served as the 59th Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department starting November 8, 2024.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1981: Joined LAPD

In 1981, James McDonnell started his career in the Los Angeles Police Department.

1981: Started Law Enforcement Career

In 1981, James McDonnell started his law enforcement career after graduating from the Los Angeles Police Academy at the age of 21.

2002: Plan for community-based policing

In 2002, as a candidate for Chief, McDonnell presented a plan for community-based policing that was eventually adopted by Bratton and served as the foundation to overhaul and reform the LAPD.

2009: Missed Appointment as LAPD Chief

In 2009, James McDonnell was considered a frontrunner for the position of Chief of the LAPD to replace William Bratton, but Deputy Chief Charlie Beck was appointed instead.

March 2010: Appointment as Long Beach Police Chief

In March 2010, James McDonnell was appointed as the police chief of Long Beach, California, after Charlie Beck was chosen for the LAPD chief role. He replaced Anthony Batts.

2010: Appointment as Police Chief in Long Beach

In 2010, James McDonnell became the Chief of Police in Long Beach, California.

November 4, 2014: Election as L.A. County Sheriff

On November 4, 2014, James McDonnell was elected as the 32nd Sheriff of Los Angeles County, defeating former Undersheriff Paul Tanaka.

December 1, 2014: McDonnell Replaced Scott as Sheriff

On December 1, 2014, James McDonnell replaced interim Sheriff John Scott as the head of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

2014: End of Long Beach Police Chief Tenure

In 2014, James McDonnell's tenure as the Chief of Police in Long Beach, California concluded.

2018: Defeat for Re-election as Sheriff

In 2018, James McDonnell was defeated by Alex Villanueva in his bid for re-election as Sheriff.

2018: Lost Reelection Bid

In 2018, McDonnell lost his reelection bid to Alex Villanueva for the position of Sheriff.

2022: Villanueva Lost Reelection Bid

In 2022, Alex Villanueva lost his reelection bid to Robert Luna, who had succeeded McDonnell as Long Beach police chief. This event happened after McDonnell had already been defeated for re-election.