Tony Lee, a Korean American with more than 30 years in law enforcement, will take over the LA County Bureau of Investigation, becoming the first Korean and Asian American to lead the unit. LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the appointment on April 1. Lee, currently serving as interim police chief in Ventura, will assume the role in early June.
With more than 230 investigators, the Bureau of Investigation ranks as the county’s fourth-largest investigative agency. It supports the District Attorney’s Office in conducting criminal investigations and enforcement across Los Angeles County.
Career Spans Beverly Hills, UCLA, and Ventura
Lee’s law enforcement career includes 26 years at the Beverly Hills Police Department, where he led patrol, investigations, and administration. He later served as chief of UCLA’s campus police from 2017 to 2023. Since December, he has been interim chief in Ventura.
“Tony Lee brings unmatched leadership and a deep understanding of police work in the field,” Hochman said. “His experience and values will strengthen the Bureau’s commitment to professionalism, fairness, and justice.”
Academic Credentials and National Training
Lee earned a criminology degree from Cal State LA and a master’s in public administration from Cal State Northridge. He also completed executive programs at the FBI National Academy, Harvard Kennedy School, and the Senior Management Institute for Police.
These experiences, officials say, give him both the strategic and operational perspective needed to guide the LA County Bureau of Investigation through complex caseloads and interagency coordination.
Lee Hopes to Inspire More Asian Americans in Law Enforcement
“It’s an honor to serve as director of the LA County Bureau of Investigation as a Korean American,” Lee said. “I hope this opens the door for more Asian Americans to pursue careers and leadership roles in law enforcement.”
Lee will wrap up his duties in Ventura before stepping into his new role in June.
BY BRIAN CHOI [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
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