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Michel Moore
Michel Moore
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Michel Rey Moore ( Sanchotena; born July 2, 1960) is an American retired law enforcement officer who served as the chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) from 2018 until 2024.

Key Information

On June 4, 2018, Eric Garcetti, mayor of Los Angeles, appointed Moore to the post of chief of the LAPD, and the appointment was ratified by the Los Angeles City Council on June 27, 2018. Moore succeeded Charlie Beck as the Chief of Police after Beck's retirement on June 27. He has worked for the LAPD since 1981.[1][2] He stepped down at the end of February 2024 to spend more time with his family.[3]

Early life and education

[edit]

Moore is the son of a Spanish father, and his original last name is Sanchotena. "Michel" is the Basque and French form of "Michael," and Moore pronounces his first name as "Michael". He took his stepfather's last name after encountering prejudice in the South.[citation needed] The second of five children, Moore graduated from high school in Arkansas. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration from the University of Redlands.

Career

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Moore was appointed to the Los Angeles Police Department in 1981. He climbed through the ranks at the LAPD, gaining a promotion to Captain in 1998 and an assignment as the Commanding Officer of the LAPD Rampart Division following the arrest of Rafael Perez. Moore was promoted to Commander in 2002 (following that promotion he was initially assigned as the Assistant Commanding Officer of Operations-Valley Bureau, followed by a term as the Assistant to the Director, Office of Operations), Deputy Chief in 2004 (assigned as the Commanding Officer of Operations-West Bureau, later transferring to Operations-Valley Bureau), and Assistant Chief in 2010. As a recently promoted Assistant Chief, Moore was assigned as the Director – Office of Special Operations (overseeing the department's Detective Bureau and Counter-Terrorism and Special Operations Bureau), and in 2015, Moore transferred to be the Director – Office of Administrative Services (overseeing the department's fiscal, personnel, training, and various support operations). In 2016, Moore was assigned as the First Assistant Chief and transferred to be the Director – Office of Operations, responsible for overseeing the department's geographic bureaus and patrol divisions which provide uniformed and investigative services to the city.[4]

During his career in the LAPD, Moore has received numerous commendations and awards for his police service including the department's Medal of Valor, the Police Medal, the Police Star, and the Police Meritorious Service Medal.[4]

In 2016, Moore was a finalist to be selected as Chief of the Dallas Police Department, which the position was eventually awarded to U. Renee Hall. Moore's nomination was supported by black civic leader John Mack, who stressed Moore's expertise in community policing and his dedication to "eradicat[ing] racism and brutality within the LAPD."[5]

On October 16, 2018, Moore held a news conference in which he provided an update on his first 100 Days in Office. During the news conference, he discussed various topics, including his pledge that the Department would police with purpose, compassion and partnerships and build upon the legacy established by Chief Charlie Beck.[6]

Following the George Floyd protests in Los Angeles, he said "We didn't have people mourning the death of this man, George Floyd — we had people capitalizing. His death is on their hands as much as it is those officers."[7] This led to citizens reaction at the Police Commission meeting where Moore sat for nine hours in silence while citizens asked for his resignation.[8]

In May 2021, Moore announced that an internal personnel investigation into the sharing of a Valentine-style meme of George Floyd had resulted in an officer being ordered to a Board of Rights, with Moore recommending termination. Moore stated it was the "most aggressive act" he could take, and hoped it would send a clear message that the LAPD does not tolerate such behavior because of "how corrosive it is to the public trust".[9]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Michel Moore is a retired American who served as the 57th Chief of the from June 2018 to February 2024. A 42-year of the LAPD, Moore began his as a patrol officer in 1981 and progressed through various ranks, including , , , , , and deputy chief, before ascending to first assistant chief. During his tenure, he received the department's highest honors, including the Medal of Valor, Police Medal, Police Star, and Meritorious Service Medal for exemplary service. As chief, Moore oversaw operations amid heightened scrutiny from the , widespread protests following the incident, and rising demands for police reform, during which rates showed declines in certain metrics such as homicides. He prioritized diversifying and enhancing community engagement, yet his leadership faced controversies, including allegations of departmental misconduct in gang units and internal investigations, which he attributed to isolated individual failures rather than systemic issues. Accusations of improper investigations into city officials were investigated and ultimately deemed unfounded. Moore's tenure is noted for navigating these challenges while maintaining operational continuity in one of the nation's largest forces.

Early life and education

Upbringing and family background

Michel Moore was born in , to a Basque immigrant father who frequently relocated the family across the in pursuit of employment opportunities. Growing up in a low-income household as one of five children, Moore experienced a nomadic childhood marked by economic hardship and repeated moves between states. The family's travels eventually led them to , where Moore completed his secondary education by graduating from high school in Conway. This peripatetic upbringing, shaped by his father's search for stable work, instilled in Moore an early awareness of diverse regional challenges, which he later referenced as influencing his approach to .

Academic qualifications

Moore graduated from high school in Conway, Arkansas, before relocating to Southern California in 1978. He later pursued higher education while serving in the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Management from the University of Redlands in 1993. Moore completed a Master of Business Administration from the same institution in 1999. In addition to his formal degrees, Moore underwent advanced professional training relevant to leadership, including completion of the , the California P.O.S.T. Command , the P.O.S.T. , and the LAPD Leadership Program. These programs supplemented his academic background with specialized instruction in command-level policing, executive management, and operational strategy.

LAPD career prior to chief

Entry and early assignments

Michel Moore joined the (LAPD) in 1981 as a patrol . His initial role involved basic law enforcement duties typical for entry-level s, including responding to calls, patrolling assigned areas, and conducting routine investigations in support of community safety. During his early years, Moore served in various rank-and-file positions, gaining foundational experience in patrol operations across neighborhoods. This period laid the groundwork for his subsequent advancements, as he progressed through investigative roles, including assignments as a handling criminal cases. By the late and early , Moore had begun transitioning to supervisory duties, though specific early station assignments remain undocumented in public records.

Promotions and specialized roles

Moore joined the (LAPD) as a in 1981. He progressed through the ranks, achieving promotion to in 1998 and receiving his first captain assignment at the Rampart Division. In 2002, Moore was promoted to . His advancement continued with elevation to chief in 2004, during which he served as of two operational bureaus. Moore attained the rank of assistant chief in 2010, taking on the specialized role of director of of Special Operations, which oversaw the Detective Bureau and other units focused on counter-terrorism, emergency operations, and specialized enforcement. In this capacity, he managed high-stakes functions including the department's team, , and . Prior deputy and assistant chief assignments also involved leadership over bureaus handling LAPD jails and facilities management, departmental budgeting, and public communications. By 2016, as first assistant chief, Moore directed the Office of Operations, supervising day-to-day patrol divisions and field deployments across the city. These roles positioned him as a key figure in operational strategy and resource allocation before his selection as chief in 2018.

Senior leadership positions

Moore was promoted to deputy chief in 2004, overseeing various operational commands within the Los Angeles Police Department. In 2009, he advanced to assistant chief, where he directed the Office of Special Operations, managing specialized units including emergency services, air support, and counter-terrorism efforts. By 2016, Moore had risen to first assistant chief, the department's second-highest position, with responsibility for coordinating daily patrol operations across the city's bureaus and ensuring alignment with departmental priorities under Chief Charlie Beck. In this role, he focused on resource allocation, officer deployment, and response to emerging threats, drawing on his prior experience in tactical and administrative functions to streamline patrol efficiency.

Tenure as Chief of Police

Appointment and initial priorities

Michel Moore, previously the LAPD's Assistant Chief, was nominated by the Board of Police Commissioners and appointed as the 57th Chief of the by Mayor on June 4, 2018, succeeding who retired after a tenure marked by reforms following federal oversight of the department. The unanimously confirmed Moore's appointment on June 27, 2018, with supporters citing his 38 years of departmental experience in operations, counter-terrorism, and data-driven strategies. He was sworn in on June 28, 2018, before an audience including dignitaries, community members, and prior chiefs. Moore's initial priorities emphasized sustaining crime reductions—LAPD violent crime had declined 27% since 2013 under —and strengthening community confidence, particularly in minority neighborhoods through visible leadership and responsive engagement. He pledged to advance "policing with purpose, compassion, and partnerships," focusing on core functions like patrol and investigations while addressing officer morale and recruitment amid a hiring shortfall. Specific goals included diversifying the force by recruiting more women and Black officers, enhancing training in and recognition, and leveraging data analytics to target high-crime areas without over-policing. In his first 100 days, Moore launched a department-wide listening tour to gather input from officers and residents, committing to reassign about 200 personnel from administrative or specialized roles back to street-level patrol and detective units to address staffing gaps in basic services. This shift aimed to improve response times and investigative capacity, reflecting Moore's operational background in the LAPD's Operations-Central Bureau and his prior role overseeing the city's counter-terrorism efforts. Early actions also targeted crisis response partnerships, though implementation faced resource constraints.

Management of crises and operations

During Michel Moore's tenure as LAPD Chief from June 2018 to February 2024, the department managed multiple crises that strained operational capacity, including the widespread unrest following George Floyd's death in May 2020 and the . Moore emphasized distinguishing between peaceful demonstrations and criminal activity, stating on June 1, 2020, that overnight events involved "criminal acts" rather than protests, amid reports of and targeting over 1,000 businesses. The LAPD response included deploying less-lethal munitions and batons against crowds, which drew scrutiny after videos emerged showing officers striking protesters, prompting Moore to express concern and calls for internal reviews on June 5, 2020. Independent reports later highlighted the department's ill-preparedness, citing inadequate training and equipment for sustained , with persistent deficiencies in protocols identified as factors in escalated confrontations. Moore issued public apologies amid backlash, retracting a June 1, 2020, comment attributing "blood on their hands" to those capitalizing on Floyd's death with violence, and later emailing officers on November 7, 2020, to regret statements that he said undermined their morale during the unrest. Operational challenges included for both monitoring and routine patrols, with the department logging over 500 arrests related to the events by mid-June 2020, though critics argued the response fueled further tensions. The outbreak further tested LAPD operations, with surges in cases leading to significant staffing shortages; by January 11, 2022, over 800 employees were in due to positive tests, averaging 24 days per recovery and reducing available personnel by up to 10-15% during peaks. Moore promoted vaccination, achieving about 84% compliance by early 2022, though mandates contributed to attrition, with 150 officers leaving for other agencies without such requirements. Early measures, including reduced , correlated with a 20% drop in overall by April 2020, attributed to lockdowns rather than policy shifts. In routine operations, Moore oversaw adaptations like enhanced protocols, drawing from his prior training in counter-terrorism and process improvement, to maintain efficacy amid crises. The department sustained core functions, including traffic enforcement and community outreach, but faced ongoing pressures from officer shortages exacerbated by pandemic-related absences and post-2020 declines. During Michel Moore's tenure as LAPD Chief from June 2018 to February 2024, Los Angeles experienced a mixed picture of trends, with significant increases in certain categories amid national post-2020 spikes, followed by partial recoveries. Homicides rose sharply in the early years of his leadership; for instance, increased 3.9% in 2021 compared to 2020, while homicides surged 11.8% in 2022. By 2023, overall declined more than 3% from the prior year, including reductions in homicides, though the final year of Moore's term saw 336 killings, a 24.9% increase over the preceding 12 months. Property crimes presented a contrasting trajectory, rising 3.5% citywide in 2023, driven by a 2% uptick in thefts. Arrests by the LAPD plummeted during this period, from 106,360 in the year before Moore's arrival to substantially fewer thereafter, potentially linked to policy shifts and resource constraints. Moore's administration implemented data-driven strategies to combat these trends, including the 2023-2025 LAPD Strategic Plan, which outlined seven goals such as reducing crime via community partnerships, enhancing officer training, and leveraging technology for where effective. Early in his tenure, Moore emphasized "policing with purpose," focusing on constitutional reforms and targeted interventions against chronic offenders, though some tools deemed ineffective were discontinued to prioritize results-oriented programs. The department also pursued initiatives to address , such as public rallies and operations against illegal firearms, amid persistent elevations in shooting incidents. Critics attributed rising violent crimes partly to reduced proactive policing under Moore, including fewer stops and arrests, which empirical data from LAPD reports correlate with clearance rate declines for major offenses. In response, Moore advocated for balanced approaches integrating community engagement with enforcement, such as expanding mental health co-responder programs to divert non-violent calls from officers, aiming to free resources for high-priority crimes. These policies reflected broader efforts to adapt to fiscal pressures and public demands for reform, though their causal impact on trends remains debated, with official statistics showing incomplete reversals of pandemic-era increases by 2024.

Controversies and criticisms

Handling of protests and use of force

During the protests in from late May to early June 2020, the LAPD under Chief Michel Moore arrested over 2,700 individuals amid widespread demonstrations that included instances of violence, , and , with 66 department vehicles damaged and seven set on fire. Officers deployed less-lethal munitions, including 40mm launchers, in response to crowds that at times turned aggressive, resulting in 27 officer injuries and hundreds of protester injuries, some requiring from impacts like and pepper balls. Moore defended the munitions as safer alternatives to lethal force, citing prior civil unrest experiences where complaints surged without them, though he acknowledged concerns over video footage showing force against protesters and committed to reviewing deployments. Critics, including civil rights groups and protesters, alleged excessive force, unlawful arrests, and First Amendment violations, leading to over 56 investigations into misconduct claims, with 28 involving ; however, as of April 2021, none sustained allegations of unauthorized force, prompting accusations of inadequate . Independent reviews highlighted LAPD shortcomings, such as ill-preparedness, inconsistent force documentation, outdated crowd-control for many officers, and a tactical shift to aggressive dispersal without sufficient planning, which exacerbated confrontations. Moore responded by issuing directives restricting use against s and initiating retraining for thousands of officers on crowd tactics and less-lethal protocols by late 2022. In April 2021, a federal judge imposed temporary restrictions on LAPD's use of 40mm and 37mm projectile launchers against protesters, barring crowd-targeted firings absent imminent threats, following lawsuits claiming indiscriminate deployment caused severe injuries like permanent blindness and skull fractures. Ongoing litigation as of 2025 has resulted in multimillion-dollar settlements for injured protesters, with advocates arguing the response reflected a of over-reliance on rather than addressing root causes of unrest. Moore publicly apologized for an early remark implying protesters had "blood on their hands" for officer injuries, clarifying it did not reflect his views, amid broader scrutiny of command decisions that prioritized rapid response over sustained . Public comments during his 2023 reappointment hearings reiterated concerns over force-heavy tactics, though department data showed no overall spike in sustained use-of-force complaints post-protests.

Internal department scandals

During Michel Moore's tenure as LAPD Chief from 2018 to 2024, the department faced multiple internal investigations into officer misconduct, particularly within specialized gang units. In 2020 and 2021, federal prosecutors charged several LAPD officers with conspiracy to obstruct justice by falsifying field interview cards to falsely designate non-gang members as gang affiliates, justifying unlawful stops and searches. Officers Rene Braga, Uribe, and Julio Garcia were indicted in 2020 and pleaded not guilty in March 2021, while Braxton Shaw, Michael Coblentz, and Nicolas Martinez faced similar charges in July 2020 and entered not guilty pleas in July 2021. The issue escalated in 2023 with revelations from the Mission Division's gang enforcement unit (focused on lowrider gang activity), where an internal affairs probe uncovered at least 15 officers engaging in illegal traffic stops without reasonable suspicion, theft of property from detainees (including cash and brass knuckles), and deliberate deactivation of body-worn cameras to conceal actions. An analysis of 108 related arrest reports identified inconsistencies in 13 cases, prompting prosecutors to review up to 350 potentially compromised convictions for evidence tampering or Brady violations. Two officers faced recommended termination and possible criminal charges for theft or robbery, with others reassigned to restricted duties; Moore responded by ordering department-wide body camera audits and inviting FBI involvement, while attributing the misconduct to isolated "individual failures" rather than systemic cultural issues. Body-worn camera compliance emerged as a related internal concern, with internal LAPD reports in 2023 documenting widespread officer deactivation beyond initial unit findings, including unverified excuses for non-use that evaded discipline under existing policy loopholes. In May 2022, Moore transferred Commander Natalie Cortez from her Operations Valley Bureau post to the less prestigious Transit Services Group following her reports of falsified camera compliance data submitted to the Board of Police Commissioners; Cortez filed a whistleblower retaliation in May 2025 alleging punitive reassignment and denied promotions, though these claims remain unproven pending litigation. Other notable cases included senior leadership misconduct, such as Assistant Chief Al Labrada's 2023 placement on leave for allegedly a subordinate via an device, echoing prior incidents with other high-ranking officials. Separately, in 2022, Officer Christopher Lamas was charged with distributing intimate images of his wife to colleagues between 2021 and January 2022, prompting Moore to express departmental concern over the breach of trust. In October 2022, a awarded $4 million to a LAPD captain in a suit stemming from a fabricated nude image circulated among officers, highlighting persistent internal cultural challenges despite Moore's emphasis on measures.

Disputes with city leadership and oversight

In 2020, amid calls to reallocate police funding following the protests, the approved a $150 million cut to the LAPD's , representing about 8% of its nearly $2 billion annual allocation and leading to the planned reduction of approximately 250 sworn officer positions through attrition. LAPD Chief Michel Moore publicly emphasized the operational challenges posed by the cuts, stating they would constrain the department's ability to maintain basic public safety services, while critics viewed the measure as a necessary step toward . Later that year, Moore requested a $100 million increase to address staffing shortages and equipment needs, a proposal that drew opposition from council members and advocates who argued it undermined efforts amid rising crime concerns. Tensions resurfaced in early 2023 during discussions of Moore's reappointment for a second five-year term by the Board of Police Commissioners, the civilian oversight body responsible for confirming the chief's position. Public hearings before the commission featured significant opposition from activists and residents, who cited Moore's handling of prior protests and internal scandals as disqualifying, though Mayor expressed support for his continuation despite pressure from groups like Los Angeles. The commission ultimately approved the reappointment on January 17, 2023, highlighting divisions between city leadership's emphasis on continuity and oversight demands for accountability. A prominent dispute emerged in December 2023 when two LAPD Internal Affairs detectives filed complaints alleging that Moore had directed them, shortly after Bass's November 2022 election victory, to investigate whether her 2021 receipt of a USC scholarship constituted a criminal violation, potentially involving improper influence or . Moore denied issuing any such order, asserting the claims were baseless and that no formal inquiry was initiated. The allegations prompted investigations by the LAPD and the city's Ethics Commission, with civic leaders calling for Moore's resignation or dismissal if substantiated. In 2024, the 's probe concluded the spying claims were unfounded, finding no evidence of misconduct or improper orders from Moore, a determination corroborated by the Police Commission's review, which closed the matter without formal disciplinary findings. This episode underscored frictions between departmental autonomy and elected oversight, contributing to Moore's announced retirement effective February 2024 after serving as chief since 2018.

Retirement and post-chief activities

Departure from LAPD

On January 12, 2024, Police Chief Michel Moore announced his retirement from the LAPD, effective at the end of February 2024, after 42 years of service with the department, including over five years as chief. Moore stated that he made the decision during the holidays of 2023, determining that 2024 would be the year to step down, citing a desire to spend more time with his family as a primary factor. The announcement, made alongside , was described as unexpected, occurring one year into Moore's second term, which had been extended in early 2023. In conjunction with his retirement, Moore agreed to remain with the LAPD as a on a basis during the transition to a new chief, ensuring continuity amid ongoing departmental challenges, including preparations for the 2028 Olympics. His final day as chief was February 29, 2024, marking the conclusion of a tenure that began as interim chief in June 2018 and became permanent in February 2019. The departure followed a period of scrutiny over the department's handling of protests, internal issues, and crime trends, though Moore's announcement emphasized personal motivations over external pressures.

Subsequent public commentary

Following his retirement from the on February 29, 2024, Moore endorsed Jim McDonnell as his successor, stating on October 4, 2024, that there was "no better person in America" to lead the LAPD and praising the other finalists as highly qualified. In July 2025, Moore delivered a presentation to members of the Knoxville Police Department, sharing insights on leadership and key lessons from his over 40-year career. On October 19, 2025, Moore posted a reflective message on X (formerly Twitter), marking the 44th anniversary of his entry into the LAPD Academy and expressing gratitude for his career as he embraced retirement. These appearances represent limited public engagement, focused on professional reflection rather than ongoing policy critique.

Legacy and reception

Achievements and empirical impacts

Under Michel Moore's tenure as LAPD Chief from February 2018 to February 2024, the department recorded a 3% overall reduction in in 2023, resulting in more than 1,000 fewer victims across categories including , , aggravated assault, and . specifically declined 17% that year to 327 incidents, with double-digit percentage drops also observed in nonfatal shootings. These improvements were attributed by department officials to enhanced coordination with federal law enforcement partners and targeted interventions against , though citywide trends reflected national patterns of post-2020 spikes followed by partial recoveries. Earlier in Moore's leadership, crime metrics showed mixed results amid external factors such as the and civil unrest; for instance, homicides rose from approximately 250 in 2019 to peaks above 300 annually in 2021 and 2022 before the 2023 downturn. Arrest rates fell sharply during this period, dropping by over 50% in some categories from pre-2020 baselines, correlating with reduced and state-level policy changes like Proposition 47, though clearance rates for violent crimes remained stable around 50-60%. Moore's administration emphasized data-driven strategies, including the continuation of community-based programs and technology integrations for , albeit with adjustments following audits critiquing prior data practices. On a personal level, Moore earned the LAPD Medal of Valor in 1987 for subduing an armed suspect during an off-duty security incident at Topanga Plaza, demonstrating early career valor that contributed to his rise through departmental ranks. As chief, he oversaw the department's annual Above & Beyond awards, recognizing officer heroism, which underscored his focus on amid internal reforms. These elements, combined with sustained departmental staffing near 9,000 sworn officers despite recruitment challenges, represented tangible operational stability under his command.

Diverse viewpoints on leadership effectiveness

Supporters of Michel Moore's leadership as LAPD Chief from 2018 to 2024 credit him with navigating the department through unprecedented challenges, including the and a decline in sworn officer numbers from approximately 10,000 in 2018 to under 9,000 by 2023, while maintaining operational stability. Moore himself emphasized a shift toward community-oriented policing, emphasizing data-driven strategies and partnerships, which observers noted as a departure from styles. Empirical data during his tenure shows mixed but notable crime reductions in later years, including a 17% drop in homicides and 10% decrease in nonfatal shootings in 2023 compared to 2022, contributing to a roughly 3% overall decline in reported violent crimes citywide. As of April 2023, violent crime was down over 11% year-to-date, with 30 fewer homicides than the prior period. Proponents argue these outcomes reflect effective resource allocation amid staffing shortages and post-2020 social unrest, with Moore rejecting claims of LAPD being the "most murderous" force by citing per-capita officer-involved shooting rates below national averages. Critics, including activist groups and some city officials, contend Moore's enforcement-focused approach hindered deeper reforms, pointing to a sharp decline in arrests—from about 126,000 in 2015 to below 100,000 by 2019—as evidence of de-policing that correlated with rising property crimes earlier in his tenure. Internal surveys revealed low officer morale, with 86% of respondents in a 2020 Police Protective League poll stating they did not feel supported by Moore, particularly after his participation in a kneeling gesture during protests, which many viewed as eroding respect for rank-and-file. Further detractors, such as Councilmember , described Moore as prioritizing enforcement over progressive changes, labeling his exit in February 2024 as overdue amid persistent scandals and use-of-force incidents at protests. Moore defended his record against such critiques, attributing controversies to individual failures rather than systemic issues and highlighting sustained loyalty from Garcetti's administration despite public backlash. These divisions underscore a broader tension between measurable crime metrics and perceptions of cultural reform within the department.

References

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