“It’s an honor to serve the community of Gardena. This city has a rich history and is a diverse, vibrant community that deserves a police department that is engaged, responsive and rooted in trust. I am committed to working side-by side with those we serve and continue to build upon the lasting partnerships.
The men and women of the Gardena Police Department are the backbone of this agency, whether they wear a badge or work behind a desk, they show up everyday to serve. As their chief, I see their dedication, their contribution and they are supported and respected.
Together, let us continue to build a great police department that we are all proud of.”
– Chief of Police, Todd Fox

Chief Todd Fox brings more than two decades of experience with the Gardena Police Department and began his tenure as the city’s 12th Police Chief in June of 2025. He brings a wealth of operational experience and executive leadership to the department, and his distinguished career reflects a deep commitment to public trust, organizational excellence, and community partnership.

In his previous role as Deputy Chief, Fox oversaw both the Support Services and Operations Divisions, managing seven bureau commanders. He was responsible for department-wide hiring, training, and personnel development, as well as facility operations, Jail Services, the Records Bureau, and Property & Evidence. He also led major investigations, tactical operations, and specialized units, including the Detective Bureau, Special Investigations Unit, Special Tasks and Response Team, and the Gardena/Hawthorne Mental Evaluation Team (G/HMET). His executive responsibilities included oversight of internal affairs, critical incident reviews, civil liability and litigation matters, and compliance with key legislation such as SB 1421 and SB 2.

A trusted and key executive leader, Chief Fox played an integral role in managing the department’s budget, preparing reports and contract recommendations for City Council consideration, and coordinating matters related to risk management, civil liability, and workers’ compensation. His professional training includes advanced instruction in internal affairs, procedural justice, use-of-force analysis, and leadership accountability.

Since joining the Gardena Police Department in 2001, Chief Fox has served in nearly every rank — including Patrol Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. As a Lieutenant, he was highly involved with the Neighborhood Watch program as the District 3 Commander. In that role, he fostered strong relationships with community members and held one of the department’s highest-attended meetings at Serra High School. As a new Lieutenant, Fox led the implementation of the department’s first body-worn camera system and Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology, among other innovations.

Before joining Gardena PD, Chief Todd Fox served with the El Camino College Police Department and as a Reserve Officer with the Hawthorne Police Department. Prior to his law enforcement career, he gained valuable experience in contract negotiation, compliance, and systems management as a Subcontract Administrator for Hughes Aircraft Co./Raytheon.

Chief Fox holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Union Institute & University. He is a graduate of the POST Executive Development Course, POST Management Course, and the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute.

(Updated 6/26/25)

CONTACT THE CHIEF

I can be reached at chief@gardenapd.org and I encourage you all to follow our department at www.gardenapd.org.