Death of Former Los Angeles Police Commissioner NR20321dm

The Los Angeles Police Department was saddened to learn of the recent passing of former Los Angeles Police Commissioner Rose Matsui Ochi. Ms. Ochi served on the Board of Police Commissioners from 2001 to 2005, and played a significant role in the development of policies and procedures that helped this Department realize its core value of Quality Through Continuous Improvement. Her work was pivotal in guiding the Department through the turbulent days following the 9/11 attacks, and the initial phases of our Federal Consent Decree.

Ms. Ochi served the people of Los Angeles for more than 20 years in the Office of the Mayor and the Criminal Justice Planning Office. She later became the first executive director of the California Forensic Science Institute. Ms. Ochi made history as the first Asian American to serve at the assistant attorney general level, advising President Bill Clinton. The President of the Board of Police Commissioners, Eileen Decker stated, “Former Commissioner Ochi served during a critical time for the Department during the early stages of the Federal Consent Decree and participated in the selection process which led to Mayor James Hahn appointing William J. Bratton as the Chief of Police in October 2002. She left a legacy of service to the Department and Board of Police Commissioners.” LAPD Chief Michel Moore commented, “Rose Matsui Ochi’s influence on this city and nation will be felt for many years to come. She was a tremendous force fighting for civil rights, justice reform, and law enforcement accountability and integrity.” The men and women of this Department send their deepest sympathies to Ms. Ochi’s family and her loved ones.