01.24.08
LAPD appoints first Asian deputy chief
The LAPD has promoted Cmdr. Terry Hara to deputy chief, making him the first Asian American officer in the force’s history to serve in the role, Chief William Bratton has announced.
Hara will become commanding officer of West Bureau, replacing Deputy Chief Kenny Garner, who will in turn take up the same post at South Bureau. Garner replaces Deputy Chief Charlie Beck, who’ll be the new Chief of Detectives. The changes take effect in March.
Hara, who joined the LAPD in 1980, is currently in charge of the force’s employee relations division and was the first Japanese American to make LAPD commander.