PVE Appoints Interim Police Chief

The city of Palos Verdes Estates will have a new police chief come Friday, according to a news release from the city.

David J. Hinig will become the interim chief of the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department upon the retirement of Chief John Eberhard on Thursday, according to the city. Hinig, who serves as a senior law enforcement consultant when not working in police agencies, will oversee the department while the city searches for a permanent chief.

"I am honored to be selected to work with the staff of the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department," Hinig said in a statement. "The department has an excellent reputation in the law enforcement community, and I look forward to assisting them as we transition to a permanent chief."

Hinig is expected to serve with the PVEPD for about six months, according to PVE City Manager Anton Dahlerbruch.

Hinig served with the Arcadia Police Department for nearly 39 years, with the final six as chief of the police department. After his retirement in June 2005, Hinig served as the interim police chief for the city of Sierra Madre for 8 months, and in 2009, he served as the interim chief in La Habra for a year until a new chief was appointed.

He again served as the La Habra police chief in late 2010 due to the unexpected retirement of the police chief.

Hinig also provides expert witness assistance to law firms representing government entities. He holds a bachelor's degree in applied business management from Azusa Pacific University, an associate degree in police science from Pasadena City College and a certificate in emergency management from UC Riverside. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.