Robert Dunn has assumed the role of Torrance Police Chief, less than two months after taking the interim position. The city announced Dunn’s appointment in a September 10 press release. His effective start date was September 14.
Dunn has been in law enforcement for 25 years. He joined the Torrance Police Department in 2023 as Assistant Chief, having previously served as Chief of Police in Fullerton.
The city press release stated:
“With his extensive experience and steadfast commitment to public safety, Chief Dunn is prepared to lead the Torrance Police Department into its next chapter, reinforcing accountability, strengthening a culture of excellence in service and strengthening community trust.”
The Torrance Police Department is working to rebuild public trust in the aftermath of a text-messaging scandal. In 2021, more than a dozen police officers were discovered exchanging racist, anti-Semitic, and homophobic text messages. Then-Police Chief Jeremiah Hart requested a state Department of Justice investigation. The results of that probe were released Thursday, August 28, 2025, along with an announcement of a five-year agreement between Torrance PD and the state.
According to the report, Black residents in Torrance are over eight times more likely to be stopped by police compared to white residents. Latino residents are about four times more likely to be stopped compared to white people.
As part of the agreement, Torrance PD will overhaul its use-of-force training, establish a new board for independent oversight, and expand data collection efforts to help detect racial bias.