The leader of one of the most corrupt agencies in the history of the united states is stepping down ...... There's probably more to this than we think
LOS ANGELES – The president of the Los Angeles City Council says highly praised Police Chief William Bratton is stepping down.
Councilman Eric Garcetti says Bratton disclosed his surprise decision Wednesday in a private meeting.
Bratton's decision comes after a seven-year tenure in which he instituted vast reforms of the once-scandalized police department.
Just last month a judge released the department from eight years of oversight by the U.S. Department of Justice, which had alleged a long pattern of abuse.
Under Bratton, Los Angeles has seen declining crime rates since 2003.
Garcetti says the city's residents are safer than they've been in "half a lifetime."
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Police Chief William Bratton is stepping down after a seven-year tenure in which he instituted vast reforms of the once-scandalized police department, two city officials said Wednesday.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because they were not authorized to speak publicly. The department said Bratton planned a midday news conference with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Bratton's decision comes just weeks after a judge released the department from eight years of oversight by the U.S. Department of Justice, which had alleged a long pattern of abuse.
Under Bratton, Los Angeles also has seen declining crime rates since 2003.
Last month, after a federal judge lifted a consent decree between Los Angeles and the Justice Department, Bratton declared that his police force had become "a leader in creating positive change."
Bratton was picked to lead the Los Angeles department in 2002 after heading police forces in New York City and Boston.
At the time, Los Angeles police were still struggling to emerge from under the clouds of the 1991 Rodney King beating and the Rampart police corruption scandal of the later 1990s.
Bratton is two years into his second and final five-year term. The City Charter would have to be changed for him to serve a third term.
Los Angeles police chiefs once enjoyed unlimited tenures. Changes in the charter under reforms driven by the King beating and resulting 1992 riot led to limits.
Calls to Bratton spokeswoman Mary Grady were not immediately returned, and the Police Department media office had not received confirmation of the chief's departure.
Eric Rose, a spokesman for the LAPD's union, said he could not comment until he'd received confirmation of Bratton's plans.
The LAPD is the most professional policing agency in the world.
You posters are like a bunch of spoiled rich kids. Mommy, I hate my BMW..... Don't even know when you have it good.
"Watch the brutal cops or they might get you." Go take another hit off your fattie Losers. posted Friday August 28, 2009
he's going international with his policing skills? teach the police of the world how to shoot people in the back and beat them down, LA/NY PD STYLE! posted Wednesday August 5, 2009
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