Joyce LaPointe Becomes Interim Chief of Costa Mesa Police

News Summary

Joyce LaPointe has been appointed as the interim chief of the Costa Mesa Police Department, becoming the first female to hold the position. LaPointe, who has served in various roles within the department since 1997, emphasizes a commitment to community service and effective policing. Her appointment follows the retirement of Chief Ron Lawrence, who served for 35 years in law enforcement. The city is now searching for a permanent replacement, considering both internal and external candidates.

Costa Mesa – Joyce LaPointe has been appointed as the interim chief of the Costa Mesa Police Department following the retirement of Chief Ron Lawrence, effective June 27. The announcement was made by Cecilia Gallardo-Daly, currently serving as city manager in an interim capacity. LaPointe is recognized for her professionalism, dedication, and trusted leadership within the department.

LaPointe’s appointment marks a significant moment in the history of the Costa Mesa Police Department, as she becomes the first female to assume the role of chief. Known throughout the Costa Mesa community, she has emphasized her commitment to customer service and responsiveness in law enforcement. LaPointe expressed gratitude towards city officials and Chief Lawrence for their support as she takes on this new role.

LaPointe has a long-standing history with the Costa Mesa Police Department, having joined in 1997. Throughout her career, she has served in various capacities, including patrol officer, defensive tactics instructor, tactical flight officer, and traffic investigator. In April 2023, she was appointed deputy chief, a position that holds historic significance as it was the inaugural title in the department’s hierarchy.

As deputy chief, LaPointe’s salary ranged between $15,143 and $20,292 per pay period, while her new interim chief position will earn her between $18,163 and $24,340 per pay period. Her leadership approach promises to be grounded in heart, fairness, and accountability, reflecting her personal connection to Costa Mesa as both her residence and workplace.

Ron Lawrence, who has served as Chief of the Costa Mesa Police Department since 2021, is retiring after a 35-year career in law enforcement. He publicly announced his retirement in March 2023 after initially indicating his intention to serve in the role for an additional three to five years. Throughout his tenure, Lawrence worked to build community trust, improve departmental staffing, and implement innovative policing technologies.

City officials are set to begin a search for Lawrence’s permanent replacement, considering both internal candidates from within the department and potential applicants from outside. Mayor John Stephens has praised LaPointe as a “true professional” for her collaboration with Lawrence on numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing community relations and policing effectiveness.

The transition to LaPointe’s leadership as interim chief continues amid ongoing community needs and expectations for effective policing. Lawrence has expressed hope that his successor will maintain a human-centric approach to law enforcement, a critical factor as the department moves forward in serving the Costa Mesa community.

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Additional Resources

• Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Taps Deputy Chief LaPointe
• Los Angeles Times: Chief Ron Lawrence Retires
• KTLA: $150,000 Worth of Stolen Goods Discovered
• OC Register: Extradition of Alleged Gunman
• OC Register: Costa Mesa Names New Police Chief
• Wikipedia: Costa Mesa, California
• Google Search: Costa Mesa Police Department
• Google Scholar: Costa Mesa Police
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Costa Mesa
• Google News: Costa Mesa