Salary proposed for LAPD’s next chief — and it’s a lot more than the last chief made

The Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners on Tuesday will consider a $507,509 annual salary for former LA County Sheriff Jim McDonnell, who is expected to serve as the next chief of the Los Angeles Police Department.

The proposed salary is more than the $350,000 McDonnell’s predecessor, Michel Moore, made. Moore retired in February with Dominic Choi serving as interim chief since then.

If approved by the commission, the proposed salary would require a vote by City Council before it can be finalized.

McDonnell’s proposed salary is also higher than those of Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, who makes $397,340 per year, according to city and county records, and President Joe Biden, who earns $400,000 annually.

It would also be more than what commissioners of the New York Police Department make, which is about $243,000 annually. Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling earns $260,472 annually and Houston Police Department Chief Noe Diaz earns $315,000 annually.

The City Council’s Public Safety Committee advanced McDonnell’s nomination on a 4-1 vote Tuesday after discussing his plans for the department and his views on immigration, police discipline, pretextual stops, recruitment and low morale, among other topics.

According to a LAPD report, McDonnell’s nomination may be considered by the City Council as soon as next Friday.

Last year, the City Council approved a new contract with the union representing the LAPD’s rank-and-file officers with a package of raises and retention bonuses in a bid to increase its membership back to 9,500.

LAPD officials reported on Oct. 15 that recruitment challenges remain, with the department’s sworn personnel standing at 8,795 as of Oct. 15.

If the salary and his appointment is approved, McDonnell wouldn’t be the highest paid city employee.

In May, the City Council confirmed longtime Pacific Gas and Electric executive Janisse Quiñones as the general manager of the Department of Water and Power at an annual salary of $750,000.

Funding for Quiñones’ salary comes directly from the DWP’s revenues and will not impact the city’s general fund.

According to a representative from LA Mayor Karen Bass’ office, city officials backed the $750,000 salary in an effort to remain competitive with private and public agencies. Quiñones’ salary is similar to rates at the Omaha Public Power District in Nebraska and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District.