WILLIAM J. MCSWEENEY PROMOTED TO CHIEF
William J. McSweeney was recently promoted to the rank of Chief by Sheriff Lee Baca. McSweeney, a 29-year veteran of the Department, will head the Department's Leadership and Training Division. Chief McSweeney's responsibilities will include oversight of the Sheriff's Academy, which is the nation's largest, as well as the Professional Development Bureau which provides advanced personnel training, accredited degree programs (LASD-University) and conducts the Deputy Leadership Institute (DLI). In addition, he will have responsibility for the Internal Affairs Bureau, Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau, Drug Prevention Program (STAR), and also the Department's Civil Litigation and Risk Management Units.
The Leadership and Training Division serves the vital role of enhancing the Department's operational effectiveness and organizational integrity.
Chief McSweeney, a native of Los Angeles, attended the University of Colorado, and California State University-Northridge, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and a Master's Degree in Public Administration.
Chief McSweeney began his law enforcement career in 1974. Following his academy training, McSweeney was assigned throughout the Department as he moved through the ranks. His early assignments included Men's Central Jail, West Hollywood Station, and Lennox Station. Later he served at Malibu Station, Training Bureau, Legislative Advocacy, Internal Affairs Bureau, and was the Captain of the Lost Hills Station in the west San Fernando Valley. Most recently, McSweeney served at the rank of Commander in the Training Division and Field Operations Region II. As a Commander in Field Operations Region II, he played an important role in the successful merger of the Compton Police Department into the Sheriff's Department.
Chief McSweeney resides in Westlake Village with his wife, Susan, who is a teacher and City Councilmember. They are the proud parents of three college-age children Brian, Katie, and Mike. Chief McSweeney's off-duty activities include leadership posts with the Los Angeles County Peace Officers Association and the Sheriffs' Relief Association. He has an intense interest in college athletics and enjoys travelling out of state to attend major games. Chief McSweeney, who has coached San Fernando Valley youth teams for 20 seasons, continues to support athletic programs as a member of the Cal State Northridge Athletic Board.
SHB-98A-03
X X X
August 29, 2003