HomeCity NewsJim McDonnell Describes Path to Becoming Los Angeles County Sheriff

Jim McDonnell Describes Path to Becoming Los Angeles County Sheriff

By Stacy Lee

Jim McDonnell came to Los Angeles from his native Boston with just two suitcases, a gym bag and $400 back in 1981. Today, he runs the Los Angles County Sheriff’s Department – the largest sheriff’s department in the country.

McDonnell originally planned to apply to the Boston Police Department. However, the department wasn’t hiring as it was laying off 25 percent of its employees at the time.

“I looked around the country to see where there was opportunity and to see where the reputation was good,” McDonnell said. “L.A. was kind of the place to go, but I didn’t know a soul in California.”

McDonnell then traveled West to apply for the Los Angeles Police Department graduating from Los Angeles Police Department in 1981 at age 22.

Before moving to Los Angeles, McDonnell earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH. He later obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California.

McDonnell originally wanted to become an architect. When he thought about sitting at a drafting table all day, the 17-year-old changed directions.

He spent nearly three decades with Los Angeles Police Department rising to the rank of assistant chief — No. 2 in the department.

For the full story, see the print edition of the San Marino Tribune, or download the e-edition.

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