It is a singular honor to have been asked to shepherd the Los Angeles Police Department through this important time of transition. My objective during this short two to three week period is to be fully engaged, completely present, and of low profile except within the LAPD ranks; to observe everything, get to know as many as possible, and change very little.
This story is not about me, but about one of three top candidates, all who have grown up on this Department, care about the people who make it work, and respect the potential of constitutional law enforcement and public service. It is this candidate and next Chief of Police who will lead our Department into the future. Much has been accomplished in the last seven years; however, there will be new and even greater challenges in the years ahead. We are one team and that team must always include the communities we serve, those who govern our City, our civilian board of police commissioners, and the partnerships we have formed and nurtured over this important time. Chief William Bratton has earned a place in history as a great American Police Chief. His legacy will be found in the degree of safety and harmony that has been established in our City; one that remains fragile. While we have turned the corner relative to delivering professional service to our struggling and disaffected communities, we have not yet completely rounded that corner. There is still much to do.
As we continue to shape our organizational culture, improve our capability, and heighten our awareness of the potential for improvement, I ask all of you to join me in maintaining the rhythm of this great Department and support a smooth and seamless transition for our next Chief of Police. To all the men and women of this organization, both sworn and civilian, the City’s future is bright and full of potential. We need all hands on deck as we begin yet another important chapter in our City’s rich history.
lapd command staff 
