Robert N. Arcos
Chief of Bureau of Investigation, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
Los Angeles Police Department

A proven leader with a results-oriented management style, Chief Robert N. Arcos is a
passionate advocate for community policing and youth development programs. He has more
than eighteen years of management experience, with more than nine years in a senior
executive position. Currently, he serves as the Chief of the Bureau of Investigation (BOI). The
County’s fourth largest law enforcement agency serving and supporting the largest prosecutorial
agency in the Country. The BOI is responsible for investigating public corruption, fraud, cyber,
officer involved shootings and child abduction.

Prior to his appointment as Chief, he served for 33 years with the Los Angeles Police
Department retiring in January 2021 as the Assistant Chief, Office of Operations. Chief Arcos
positions and assignments included Deputy Chief, Operations-Central Bureau, serving as the
citywide Immigrant Affairs Liaison for the Chief of Police and the Department’s Homeless
Coordinator and Smart Policing Coordinator. Chief Arcos served in every Bureau in the city, and
has created lasting relationships with neighborhood advocates, non-profit organizations, the
business community, and civic leaders, as well as creating and fostering model
community/police youth development programs such as Through Our Eyes and 77th Street
Area Youth Soccer Program.

A reform-minded executive, Chief Arcos has implemented new processes to use technology
and departmental resources more effectively, and is recognized as a strong, yet humble leader.
While assigned to Central Bureau, he oversaw areas that are home to some of the greatest
challenges of our day, including homelessness, an immigrant population that harbors fear of the
government and police, and communities with high levels of drug and mental health issues.

Born in San Antonio, Texas, Chief Arcos’ family moved to Atwater Village, where he was raised.
He graduated from John Marshall High School and enlisted in the United States Army, where he
proudly served for four years.

Chief Arcos was appointed to the Los Angeles Police Department on September 12, 1988. He
progressed through the ranks, working assignments with increasing responsibility throughout
the city, including serving in Rampart, Van Nuys, Northeast, Wilshire, Olympic, 77th,
Metropolitan and Communications Divisions, and Central Bureau. He has experience in patrol,
gangs, vice, narcotics, K-9 operations, and in overseeing citywide crime reduction activities. He
also served as a Senior Lead Officer, working closely with the community to build partnerships
and increase safety.

A recipient of numerous internal and external commendations, Chief Arcos has twice been
awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation. A thoughtful leader, he has pursued continuing education
opportunities as a law enforcement executive and manager, including graduating from the
Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, West Point Leadership Development Program,
the FBI National Academy, and the Senior Management Institute for Police.

Chief Arcos earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Union Institute and
University, a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership from Woodbury University, a
Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership at the Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of
Southern California and a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) certificate from Cornell University.

He is a member of the California Police Chiefs Association, International Association
of Chiefs of Police, FBI National Academy Associates, the Police Executive Research Forum,
the Latin America Law Enforcement Association (La Ley) and the Hispanic American Police
Command Officers Association.

Chief Arcos is a Board Member of Operation Progress a non-profit organization devoted to
empowering underserved youth to become educated, ethical, and productive adults who reach
their potential and positively contribute to society.
Chief Arcos has three children and three grandchildren. He enjoys, golf, softball, and cycling.