PAUL K. TANAKA PROMOTED TO CHIEF
Promoted to the rank of Division Chief by Sheriff Lee Baca, Paul K. Tanaka has assumed command of the Administrative Services Division. Chief Tanaka began his law enforcement career in 1980 as a patrolman with the El Segundo Police Department. He joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in 1982, and subsequently worked assignments at Men's Central Jail, Carson Station, and the Recruitment Unit.
Chief Tanaka was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1987, and was assigned to Lynwood Station. Four years later, he was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to Mira Loma Facility. Following a brief stint at the Inmate Reception Center, Chief Tanaka moved on to Lennox Station. As a Lieutenant, he was also assigned to Region II Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Program, West Hollywood Station, and the Office of Administrative Services.
In 1999, Chief Tanaka was promoted to Captain and assumed command of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Bureau, including the Vital Intervention and Directional Alternatives (VIDA) Program, Regional Community Policing Institute, and the Asian Crime Task Force. At the direction of Sheriff Lee Baca, Chief Tanaka was promoted to the rank of Commander in 2001 and assigned to the Office of the Undersheriff.
A longstanding resident of the City of Gardena, Chief Tanaka is intimately involved in the affairs of his community as a councilperson and the past Mayor Pro-Tem. Chief Tanaka is also a Certified Public Accountant and an alumnus of Loyola Marymount University. Single, and a man of varied interests, he enjoys reading and long-distance running in his spare time.
SHB-76A-02
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October 2, 2002