FULLERTON : City Swears In Its 15th Police Chief

Patrick McKinley, a former Los Angeles police captain, was sworn in Monday as the city’s 15th police chief.

City Clerk Anne M. York administered the oath of office during a brief ceremony at the Police Department, attended by about 40 people.

McKinley, 51, said he is eager to work with the city’s campaign against graffiti. He talked with Mayor Molly McClanahan about the graffiti problem, which many city officials and residents have said is the most urgent issue facing Fullerton.

“I think young people need to be aware that it’s criminal vandalism,” McClanahan told McKinley. The mayor and McKinley also talked about publicizing arrests of graffiti vandals as a way to deter the crime.

McKinley attended a four-hour City Council meeting last week during which residents lined up to complain about the spread of graffiti. The council on Feb. 16 will consider an anti-graffiti ordinance, which, if approved, would create stiff fines for those convicted of the crime and establish rewards for those who turn in suspects.

McKinley also talked with Fire Chief Marc Martin after the swearing-in ceremony. The two plan to have a joint staff meeting to acquaint their commanding officers with one another and build a close relationship between the departments, Martin said.

McKinley served in the Los Angeles Police Department for 29 years.

Most recently he commanded the West Los Angeles Division, which covers Pacific Palisades, Brentwood and Bel Air Estates. He has also headed the Hollenbeck Division in East Los Angeles and the 77th Street Division in South Los Angeles.

In hiring McKinley, City Manager James L. Armstrong said he was impressed by McKinley’s leadership and depth of experience.