Bayan Lewis

Bayan Lewis spent 40 years in Law Enforcement, retiring in 2003 as Chief of Police of the Los Angeles County Police, where he held that position for 5 ½ years. Prior to that he spent 34 years in the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), retiring in 1997 as the Interim Chief of Police. Prior to and during his appointment as Interim Chief of Police, Bayan was the lead LAPD official in the merger of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) into the LAPD. This was a controversial and highly political issue, which necessitated coordination and planning throughout the City and County family. After his retirement from LAPD, he was specifically sought out by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to merge three individual LA County police agencies into one cohesive department. He accomplished that goal and fashioned the newly formed LA County Office of Public Safety into one of the premier specialized law enforcement agencies in Southern California. Preceding his appointment as Interim Chief of Police of LAPD, he was Assistant Chief, Director of Operations, where he was responsible for the management and leadership of some 85% of the department, including all patrol and most detective functions. Prior to his appointment as Assistant Chief, he held a variety of key positions such as commanding officer of Anti-Terrorist Division; and Commander of Uniformed Service Group which included S.W.A.T., K-9, Air Support, METRO, and Tactical Planning. He was also a Deputy Chief of Headquarters Bureau which included all specialized detectives and emergency planning. Throughout his career Bayan acquired a thorough understanding of, and the skills necessary for, the effective management of police department operations. He joined the United States Army in 1964, and remained within the California National Guard until 1998, when he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He had assignments in Infantry, Armor, and was the Division Provost Marshal when he retired. Bayan holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Pepperdine University, Los Angeles California and graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He also competed graduate studies in Public Administration at the University of Southern California. He currently teaches emergency management and planning for Narcotics Interdiction Control Institute and the California Specialized Training Institute, Office of Emergency Services. He has consulted both domestically and abroad in emergency response matters.