Press Release

James R. Lopez, a 25-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, was recently promoted to the rank of Commander by Sheriff Lee Baca and assigned to the Administrative Services Division.

Commander Lopez’ career with the Sheriff's Department began in 1979, when he attended the Department’s Training Academy and graduated as a Deputy Sheriff. Upon graduation from the academy, he was selected to work in Narcotics Bureau as an undercover operative. Commander Lopez also worked Men’s Central Jail, Wayside Maximum Security Facility, Carson Station and the Recruitment Unit. In 1988 he was promoted to Sergeant and served at Carson Station, Narcotics Bureau, Internal Affairs Bureau, and Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau. Upon being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1996, he took on assignments at the Inmate Reception Center, Century Station, and Office of the Assistant Sheriff, where he served as an Executive Aide. Commander Lopez was promoted to Captain in 2002 and served as Unit Commander of Century Station.

Commander Lopez holds an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from College of the Canyons, a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University Los Angeles, a Master of Arts Degree in Management from Azusa Pacific University, and graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy, 201st session, in 2000. He resides in Chino with his wife Margarita. They have three children: Daniel, Sarah and Rebecca. In his spare time, Commander Lopez enjoys spending time with his family, reading, running, and traveling. Commander Lopez expressed, “I am honored to be chosen to serve as a Commander and am privileged to work with some of the finest law enforcement professionals in the nation.”