Captain Jonathan Tom Promoted, Bids Farewell to West LA

By LILY TINOCO | Reporter

Los Angeles Police Department Captain Jonathan Tom—previously commanding officer of the West LA Division—was promoted to commander and assigned to Operations-West Bureau, according to an announcement made Sunday, October 23.

Tom began his career in Olympic in the detective division, followed by the Rampart Patrol division, South Traffic division and then West LA as commanding officer in 2020.

As commanding officer, Tom oversaw approximately 240 people, including 23 detectives, 163 officers and seven senior lead officers, which represent communities from the Palisades to Brentwood, Bel Air, Cheviot Hills, Westwood and more.

“It has been my distinct pleasure to serve you over the last two and a half years,” Tom said in the statement. “From my first day here, I immediately felt like I was coming home … West LA was, and is, a family. The officers that serve this community are hardworking and care about you. In turn, our officers enjoy a community that supports them like no other.”

During his tenure, Tom participated in the Palisades Homeless Count, provided area updates at Pacific Palisades Community Council meetings and addressed issues he found significant, including fire safety and homelessness.

In June 2021, he united agencies and local jurisdictions to address homelessness and fire mitigation following hillside fires in the Palisades.

“I found it useful for me to meet people, place names with faces, get cell phone numbers and email addresses,” Tom said to the Palisadian-Post at the time. “I wanted to do that for everyone, I wanted to pull everyone together. Having the opportunity at the base camp for the Palisades fire really allowed me to see what could be done … I will always be pushing for resources to go where they’re needed.”

Tom announced that West LA Patrol Commanding Officer Captain Craig Heredia was promoted to Captain III and will be filling his seat as commanding officer of the West LA Division. Captain Yasir Gillani from the Hollywood Division will be taking over for Heredia.

“You are in good hands with both of these gentlemen, and I have faith that they will do right by both you and our officers,” Tom said in his statement. “I encourage you to take a look around you, and see the beauty and goodness in the world. Continue having faith in our officers. While no one is perfect, they each have a heart of service and are dedicated to serving this community.

“This assignment as your West LA Area [commanding officer] has been the most fulfilling of my career and I’m extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the West LA community.”