Most people hope for a good boss when they start a new job. For Hermosa Beach’s new Police Captain Milton McKinnon, working under Chief Sharon Papa was the biggest factor in accepting the job.
“This is a magical lady,” McKinnon said, sitting in his new office in police headquarters. He joined the force on January 19. “It’s like a basketball player working under Kobe Bryant. I get to be mentored by this person who has done these remarkable things.”
Papa worked for the Los Angeles Police Department before moving to Hermosa in 2013. She was one of only three assistant chiefs under Bill Bratton. Before LAPD, Papa was chief of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and grew the department from just 40 officers to 600.
“When the captain job opened up in Hermosa, I didn’t know she was here,” McKinnon said. “A few people in my network let me know that she was here and that I should apply. It’s rare that you get to pick your boss.”
McKinnon spent the last twenty four years with the Culver City Police Department. He had a top lieutenant position within the department and was happy there. But the opportunity to work with Papa and to work in his native South Bay was too great a pull to resist.
“I grew up in the South Bay and I still live here now with my family,” he said. “To not only work so close to home but to have an impact on my community is wonderful.”
“We conducted an extensive recruitment for the Captain position and tested both local and out of state candidates,” Chief Papa said. “I was looking for an experienced law enforcement professional who not only knows the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the job, but that also possesses excellent interpersonal skills.”
Papa said that McKinnon’s background, training, education and experience were major factors in his being selected, but his demeanor also played a big role.
“I believe his personality will blend well both within the city’s workforce and the community we serve,” she said. “His easy going and approachable demeanor will no doubt allow him to interact effectively with our residents. He will be instrumental in enhancing our community outreach efforts.”
McKinnon brings diverse experience to his position. In Culver City, he was a police lieutenant, a jailer, a community service officer and performed field training. He also received a Master’s degree in leadership from the University of Southern California and graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy.
Culver City is five square miles with 40,000 residents and a daytime work population of 350,000. McKinnon was one of 106 sworn officers there. Here in Hermosa, he is one of 37.
“Everyone is more hands-on here,” he said. “The officers are jacks of all trades.”
McKinnon uses a rotational policy to ensure a diverse work core. Every three years, officers rotate into a new assignment.
Though Culver City is a more urban area, McKinnon sees crime on the rise in the South Bay and wants his department to be proactive in fighting it.
“After the passing of Prop 47 and AB 109 a lot of criminals–about 50,000 prisoners– have been let out on the street,” he said. “There has been an uptick in crime throughout Southern California and we are all trying to keep it in check.”
McKinnon’s biggest concern is “Part I” crimes. The FBI classifies Part I crimes as those against individuals. They include homicide, rape, assault, robbery and arson, among other offenses.
“Part ones severely affect the community,” he said. “But alcohol is also a hot topic in Hermosa and drunk driving affects the community, too. Having been the one to ring doorbells letting family members know their loved ones have passed away because of drunk driving. I know how big of an impact it has. So that’s a big concern of ours, too.”
McKinnon goes home to a fellow crime fighter: his wife is a federal agent.
“I’ve got the best wife in the world,” he said, smiling. “I married up. She’s way smarter than me and takes care of the family. And she was 100 percent supportive of my decision to come here.”
McKinnon is glad to have found a new role in his lifelong community.
“The South Bay just has a whole different vibe here,” he said. “I love greeting neighbors. People are helpful and relaxed. It’s a very friendly atmosphere. It’s the one I grew up in and want to raise my kids in.”
