External Pick for Long Beach (Calif.) PD Chief Causes Controversy

At the announcement of Long Beach, Calif.'s newest police chief, Jim McDonnell said he plans to focus on budget issues and fighting gang crime. But many on the department are more concerned with the fact that the former LAPD veteran of more than 30 years was chosen over internal candidates, including all of LBPD's deputy chiefs.

At the announcement of Long Beach, Calif.'s newest police chief, Jim McDonnell said he plans to focus on budget issues and fighting gang crime. But many on the department are more concerned with the fact that the former LAPD veteran of more than 30 years was chosen over internal candidates, including all of LBPD's deputy chiefs, reports the Press-Telegram.

When longtime chief Anthony Batts stepped down last year to head the Oakland (Calif.) Police Department, Long Beach City Manager Pat West initially stated he'd hire a replacement from within the department. After receiving applications from within LBPD, West changed his mind. The decision to widen the search angered many on the department.

Jim McDonnell is scheduled to be sworn in as chief in March, he said.

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