Overview of current policing issues in Redondo Beach

Chief Joe Hoffman’s passion for the profession of law enforcement began long before his career with the Redondo Beach Police Department. He was raised in a law enforcement family. His father was member of the Los Angeles Police Department and he has other relatives with law enforcement careers dating back to the early 1900’s. This exposure to public service instilled a pride and awareness that has shaped his career path and professional development.

In high school, Joe decided on a career in law enforcement. Upon graduation he immediately attended Los Angeles Harbor College, focusing on course work in Administration of Justice and earning an AA Degree. In 1994, at nineteen, Joe applied for a Police Cadet position at the Redondo Beach Police Department and began volunteering in the Records Unit. He was hired as a Police Recruit in 1994 and graduated from the Police Academy in 1995. During the first eight years of his career, Joe gained experience as a Patrol Officer, Pier Unit Officer, and Motorcycle Officer while also holding collateral assignments as a firearms instructor and a member of the SWAT team. In addition, Joe earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Long Beach.

In 2003, Joe promoted to Police Sergeant and worked assignments in the Patrol and Investigations Divisions. In 2006 Joe promoted to the rank of Police Lieutenant and entered into management level of the Police Department. Over the course of more than ten years as a Lieutenant, Joe had the opportunity to work in the Patrol, Investigations, and Special Projects divisions, while also assigned as the department Press Information Officer. While holding the rank of Lieutenant, Joe earned a Master of Science Degree in Emergency Services Administration from California State University, Long Beach in addition to successful completion and graduation from POST Command College, the Senior Management Institute for Police, and the FBI National Academy.

In 2017, Joe promoted to Police Captain with assignments to Support Services, Patrol, and Special Operations Bureaus, including assignment as the Assistant Chief of Police in 2021. Joe has worked closely with the Police Department, Community, City Staff and Elected Officials through a range of issues including personnel challenges, budgetary matters, quality of life concerns, major criminal investigations, organizational development, and succession planning.

Chief Hoffman fully embraces the Police Department vision “We Are the Community – Leading the Way in Law Enforcement.” Being inclusive, empowering, realistic, ethical, and conscientious are critical components of his leadership and he is excited to serve as the current Chief of Police for the City of Redondo Beach.