New Police Chief Named In Hermosa Beach

HERMOSA BEACH, CA — Landon Phillips, a captain for the Hermosa Beach Police Department, has been appointed as the new police chief, effective May 6, city officials announced Wednesday.

Phillips replaces Police Chief Paul LeBaron, who will retire on May 5, after almost 33 years with the Hermosa Beach Police Department, according to City Manager Suja Lowenthal.

The decision makes Phillips the HBPD's first internal promotion to police chief in 24 years, Lowenthal said.

“While we are sad to see Paul retire, we are proud to have such a highly qualified officer within the Department ready to lead our award-winning Police Department,” Lowenthal said in a statement. “Landon is a proven leader with extensive knowledge of Hermosa Beach who has earned the full respect of all of us at the City and among the members of our community.

Phillips has deep roots within the department. He grew in the South Bay where his father served as an HBPD officer for 25 years.

Phillips started his own career with the HBPD 23 years ago, working as a patrol officer, traffic officer, traffic investigator and field training officer, according to city officials.

He rose through the ranks, becoming a sergeant in 2009, a lieutenant in 2016 and a captain in 2023.

LeBaron described Phillips as a "steady and respected leader" who has a clear vision for the future of the department and is dedicated to serving Hermosa Beach residents.

Phillips holds a Master's Degree from Cal State Long Beach in Emergency Services Administration and has graduated from multiple advanced training courses, including the FBI National Academy, the Los Angeles Police Department's Leadership Program and the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute.

In a statement, Phillips said he was appreciative of LeBaron and Lowenthal for their support and trust in appointing him as the new police chief.

“Serving as chief will be an opportunity for me to continue my commitment to this community that I love and to build on the many accomplishments the chief and city manager have implemented at the HBPD," Phillips said. "I am honored to lead the officers and staff of the Department that I’ve grown with – all of whom I deeply respect."