Tony Lee, second-generation Korean American, named interim police chief in Ventura

A second-generation Korean American has been appointed as the interim police chief for the city of Ventura.

Tony Lee, the former chief of the UCLA University Police Department, began his term as interim chief on March 28, according to an announcement from the city of Ventura. The City Council approved Lee’s appointment on December 17.

Lee will serve as the department’s leader until the Ventura City Council selects a new chief. Ventura, with a population of approximately 105,000, reportedly employs around 250 officers.

“Tony’s leadership at UCLA demonstrates his exceptional ability to manage complex operations while fostering community trust,” said Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios. “His experience overseeing high-profile events, nationally ranked hospitals, and a celebrated athletics program will be a great asset to the City of Ventura during this transition.”

Lee served as the first Asian-American chief of the UCLA University Police Department for six years, beginning in 2017. Prior to that, he served 26 years with the Beverly Hills Police Department, where he was chief of investigations.

Lee is a graduate of Cal State LA’s Department of Criminal Justice and Administration and holds a master’s in public administration from Cal State Northridge.

BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]