As previously reported by LBREPORT.com, City Manager West (who works for the Council) announced in late October that he would choose a new Chief from among LBPD's Deputy Police Chiefs and Commanders. The City Manager works for the City Council but his choice of an LBPD Chief is a management matter not subject to a Council vote.
City Manager Pat West announced today that Robert G. Luna will be the next Chief of Police for the City of Long Beach. Most recently serving as Deputy Chief of Police, Chief Luna has 29 years of experience with the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD).
"I have 100% confidence that Chief Luna will lead our department with integrity, strength, and a commitment to community policing," said Mayor Robert Garcia. "He will ensure that we build a department for the 21st century."
In his 29 years of service, Chief Luna has served in a variety of roles, including 13 years on the executive management team. Most recently Chief Luna served as Deputy Chief of Police. In that role he oversaw the Patrol Bureau and served as second in command to Chief McDonnell. He has led numerous innovative efforts at the department aimed at building positive relationships between the Police Department and the Long Beach community, managing staffing reductions, and ultimately decreasing crime in the City.
"Chief Luna is without a doubt the best person to lead our Police Department," Mr. West said. "Chief Luna has distinguished himself in law enforcement, and will provide exemplary leadership, effective administration, and continue to implement innovations that will lead Long Beach to become an even safer City."
Chief Luna holds a Master of Public Policy and Administration, and a Bachelor of Science both from California State University Long Beach. He is a graduate of Harvard University's Senior Executives in State and Local Government program and the Delinquency Control Institute (DCI) at the University of Southern California. He also graduated from the FBI's National Executive Institute and National Academy.
"I am humbled by this appointment and am ready to lead the excellent men and women of the Long Beach Police Department," said Chief Luna. "I am confident that my law enforcement experience and community focus will allow me to effectively serve the people of Long Beach as their Chief of Police."
Chief Luna's appointment is effective November 22, 2014. He is replacing Chief Jim McDonnell, who has been elected Sheriff of Los Angeles County. All Deputy Chiefs and Commanders currently serving the City of Long Beach were eligible to apply for the Chief position.
The Long Beach Police Department is the second largest municipal police agency in Los Angeles County and provides law enforcement services to the 7th largest city in the State of California. With more than 800 sworn officers and a total staffing of more than 1,200 personnel, the LBPD is dedicated to professional, proactive, and innovative policing. LBPD is committed to building and maintaining positive relationships with the diverse community they serve.
With an annual operating budget of more than $211 million, the Police Department also provides contracted law enforcement services to the Port of Long Beach, Long Beach Airport, Long Beach Transit, and Long Beach City College. In 2013, the LBPD recorded a 41-year low in the number of reported violent crimes, with a decrease of 13.3 percent when compared to the previous year.
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