Tony Lee, a former Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) officer, has been announced as the new interim police chief for the city of Ventura. Lee was with the BHPD for 26 years, where he served as second-in-command and oversaw Field Services, Investigations, and Administrative Services. Lee also often served as acting chief of police while at the BHPD.
BHPD Police Captain Max Subin said the appointment of Lee to interim chief proves testament to his character and leadership.
Speaking to the Courier, Subin said, “Tony brings a lot of experience to the table, from his time as a Beverly Hills police captain to his years as a chief of police at UCLA.”
Before joining the BHPD, Lee studied criminal justice at California State University, Los Angeles and received an MPA degree from California State University, Northridge. After graduating, he undertook executive-level training at the FBI National Academy, Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, the Senior Management Institute for Police and the Los Angeles Police Department West Point Leadership Program.
This extensive training helped Lee become an indispensable asset to the BHPD over his 26-year tenure. In 2017, he took over as police chief at UCLA, marking history as the first Asian American chief to assume the role.
While at UCLA, Lee led the largest of the 10 University of California police departments and implemented several changes to help promote a safer campus. For instance, he strengthened the department’s community policing efforts through the creation of a new role for a Community Relations Lieutenant. Lee also formed a Threats Management Unit while at UCLA, which helped monitor workplace safety issues such as violence, harassment, and stalking.
The city of Ventura has been recruiting a new chief following the retirement of former Chief of Police Darin Schindler. Ventura City Council finalized their decision to appoint Lee as interim police chief on Dec. 17.
“[Lee] is a great fit for Ventura PD as interim chief,” Subin said. “He has always been a great leader.”
Lee assumed the role on Dec. 28, 2024, where he will oversee a department of over 250 sworn officers, staff and volunteers. He will serve until a new police chief is hired.
