LAPD Deputy Chief Accepts Job in Georgia

Los Angeles:  Police Chief William Bratton announced Friday that one of his senior staff members, Deputy Chief Michael Berkow, has accepted a position as Chief of Police in Savannah, Georgia.

Deputy Chief Berkow will take over the Savannah-Chatham Police Department in November, taking a substantial cut in pay.  "In my life, it’s never been all about the money," Berkow said.  "For me, it’s about the fit of the community, the fit of the job with my talents and abilities."

Deputy Chief Berkow was selected from a field of five finalists for the Chief’s job in Savannah.  Berkow’s departure comes after spending over 3 years as head of the LAPD’s Professional Standards Bureau, which is charged with investigating complaints against officers and officer-involved shootings.

"Chief Berkow has done a superb job re-organizing Professional Standards Bureau, especially in establishing protocols for investigating officer-involved shootings," said Chief Bratton.  "I wish him well in his new position."

Chief Bratton recruited Berkow for LAPD in April 2003, seven months after Bratton took over LAPD as chief.  At that time, Berkow left a position as Chief of Police for Irvine, California.

Chief Bratton will announce Berkow’s successor in the weeks to follow, closer to Berkow’s departure date in November.