The West Hollywood Sheriff Station has a new leader, at least temporarily. Lieutenant Fanny Lapkin has assumed the role of Acting Captain, replacing Captain Bill Moulder, who is currently on personal leave. The transition was confirmed in recent correspondence from Lt. Lapkin and Sergeant Jason Duron of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
In an email, Lt. Lapkin stated, “Unfortunately, the only information I can tell you is that I am the Acting Captain while he’s off on personal leave.” Sgt. Duron further elaborated, “Yes, Lt. Lapkin is currently acting captain. Capt. Moulder is off for some personal reasons and I am not able to discuss anything further. During his absence Lt. Lapkin will assume the role of Captain and the responsibilities associated with it.” While details about Captain Moulder’s leave remain private, what’s clear is that Lt. Lapkin brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her new role.
Born in Mexico and raised in East Los Angeles as the youngest of five siblings, Lapkin’s path to law enforcement was anything but conventional. Initially set on becoming a pediatrician, she stumbled into the field during college while volunteering at the East L.A. Sheriff’s Station. What began as a two-semester commitment turned into a seven-year passion, ultimately leading her to join the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as a custody assistant. “I loved it so much,” she recalled in 2021. “I decided to join the department.”
Her career trajectory took her from Santa Clarita, where she served for 11 years, to a promotion to sergeant and a coveted assignment at West Hollywood in May 2019—one of the stations on her “wish list.” Since then, she has made her mark as a service area sergeant, working closely with then-Lieutenant Bill Moulder to oversee the Crime Impact Team (CIT), including the Community-Oriented Policing (COPS) Team and the Entertainment Policing Team (EPT).
Lapkin’s approach to leadership is shaped by her petite stature (5’4”) and her philosophy of using communication over confrontation. “I had to learn to use the gift of gab,” she told WEHOville in 2021. “Somebody wise told me… use your words instead of your fist. Knock on wood, it’s worked so far.” This perspective, honed under the guidance of female mentors in the department, underscores her belief in equality and adaptability in a male-dominated field.
As Acting Captain, Lapkin steps into a role that demands oversight of the station’s operations during a challenging time. In her 2021 interview, she highlighted staffing shortages and the complexities of addressing homelessness as key obstacles—issues that likely persist today. Despite budget constraints and a reduced EPT (down to four deputies from six), she emphasized the importance of community relationships, from coordinating with business owners to partnering with social services like the Tarzana Treatment Center.
It’s nice to know something personal about Lieutenant Lapkin, the more we know about our police department personnel, the more they become a full presence.
Wishing all the best to Captain Moulder in his personal leave.