LOS ANGELES (CNS) — At a ceremonial formality Thursday, Mayor Karen Bass appointed former Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell as the 59th chief. Los Angeles Police Department.

At an event at Elysian Park Academy north of downtown Los Angeles, elected officials and dignitaries witnessed McDonnell’s wife, Kathy, pin the chief’s badge on him. McDonnell, who received a standing ovation, outlined his priorities for the first 90 days as the new leader of the third-largest law enforcement agency in the country.

“As police chief, I stand ready to work with you to confront the challenges head on and move forward with courage, compassion, and a clear vision as we enter this new era,” McDonnell said. he said.

“I am committed to strengthening the public’s trust in the LAPD through innovative community-based policing that prioritizes the needs and concerns of our residents. Our focus will be on building trust through transparency, accountability, and commitment to every voice in every neighborhood.” added.

He noted that his first 90 days as chief will focus on listening, evaluating and planning. McDonnell is expected to meet with a variety of stakeholders during this “listening period,” which he said will shape the department’s priorities and improve its approach to public safety.

His priorities as chief will be to address violent and property crimes by creating specialized teams to tailor responses to the specific needs of communities; maintain a departmental status that “advocates” for accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement; helping vulnerable populations like homeless Angelenos and the city’s youth; preparing for major events coming to the region; and responsible application of technology for public safety.

“I stand here today not only as police chief, but also as a fellow Angeleno. We are a city of dreamers, resilience and strength,” McDonnell said. he said. “Every corner of Los Angeles tells a story, and every story is worth preserving.”

Mayor Bass called the celebration “a new and exciting day of public safety” for Los Angeles.

He praised McDonnell’s leadership experience as a 29-year veteran of the LAPD who served in various capacities, including first deputy chief of police, before leaving in 2010 to lead the Long Beach Police Department, where he served for almost five years. In 2014, LA County voters elected him sheriff.

“I know we will be prepared for the World Cup, the Olympics and everything else that lies ahead,” Bass said. he said.

McDonnell replaces former chef Michel Moore, who retired in February. Interim Chief Dominic Choi, who has led the LAPD since March, is expected to be one of three deputy chiefs.

The mayor took a moment to recognize Choi, as well as the Board of Police Commissioners and City Council, for their “steady leadership” over the past six months.

After the ceremony, when asked by journalists whether the LAPD would participate in federal immigration sweeps/deportations, he said:

“I know there is a lot of fear in many of our communities regarding comments made regarding immigration enforcement. The LAPD’s role is very clear. We are not involved in immigration enforcement. We are there for everyone in all our communities.”

McDonnell had already taken the reins of the third-largest police department in the country last week after the City Council voted 11-2 in favor of Bass’ nominee. He was later sworn in at a special ceremony held at City Hall.

McDonnell said the LAPD will focus on resolving hiring challenges and improving morale, among other issues.

Council members Eunisses Hernandez and Hugo Soto-Martinez opposed McDonnell’s confirmation, citing immigrant community concerns about his past policies as county sheriff from 2014-18 when he allowed federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents into county jails.

Council members Heather Hutt and Kevin de León were absent during the vote.

The new LAPD chief reiterated after the ceremony that if the LAPD assists federal immigration officials: “..It creates a chilling effect on people’s willingness to come forward, report crime, and partner with us. And to have a safe community, we want all community members to We need it to be a partner.”

“And so, my assurance is that we’re not in this business. We’re not going to do any of the things that people have been worried about lately. And we’re going to work forward with an open dialogue with the concerns. “That’s the last thing we want and need,” McDonnell said.