As the city searches for a new LAPD chief, lack of women leaders becomes more apparent
A ceremony for promotions last July at Los Angeles Police Department headquarters included a rare sight: a female commander. Three of them, in fact.
The LAPD didn't elevate a woman to commander until 1997; it took 13 more years for a woman of color to reach the rank.
Now, Chief Michel Moore's surprise Jan. 12 announcement that he will step down in late February has raised the question of whether the LAPD's next leader will, for the first time, be a woman.
Women make up nearly 20% of the department and are similarly reflected in middle management, working as sergeants and lieutenants. A woman runs the elite Major Crimes Division, and two hold positions of influence in the counterterrorism and transit services bureaus. The Office of Constitutional Policing and Policy is overseen by a civilian who is a woman.
But the unfolding search for Moore's replacement has exposed a stark reality: There are few women on the force with the rank and experience to compete for the top job.
Of Moore's 12 deputy chiefs, two are women. All three of his assistant chiefs are men.
The imbalance has fueled criticism of Moore over what some have seen as slow progress on gender equity under his leadership and an unwillingness by LAPD officers in recent years.
