LAPD Chief Bratton Honored by Queen Elizabeth II

Los Angeles: LAPD Chief Bill Bratton Made Honorary Commander of the British Empire in Ceremony at British Embassy

September 11, 2009 – UK Ambassador to the United States Sir Nigel Sheinwald today bestowed upon Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton Her Majesty The Queen’s honorary title of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) at a ceremony in the British Ambassador’s Residence.

The award of an Honorary CBE to Chief Bratton is in recognition of his work to promote cooperation between US and UK police throughout his distinguished career. During the investiture, Ambassador Sheinwald hailed Bratton for his tireless work in three of the country’s largest police forces: “For fifteen years, Bill Bratton has been the foremost leader of the transformation of policing in the United States. As Chief of Police in Boston, in New York, and now in Los Angeles, he has changed the way in which police go about their work.

“Due to his efforts, the police of our two countries today regularly exchange ideas and best practices, on every aspect of the policing agenda — from terrorism and radicalization, to crime reduction, to the forensic use of DNA, to police information systems.”

Chief Bratton said of his award: “To be honoured by Queen Elizabeth II with an award first created by King George V nearly a century ago is quite a humbling experience.  When I first pinned on a badge nearly 40 years ago, my hopes and dreams were to contribute to local law enforcement.  Now as a recipient of the high honour, Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, I see that woven into each success are the dedication and commitment of my partners here and abroad.”

Notes to Editors:

1.    Over the past several years, Chief Bratton has been a key figure in an extensive dialogue between UK and US police chiefs, a dialogue which began with a conference following the tragedy of September 11, 2001.  Also many of the recommendations of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland drew on Chief Bratton’s work in New York. He remains close to the policing reform process in Northern Ireland, and gives it valuable and solid support.

2.    The UK honours system recognizes exceptional achievement and service to the nation. There are several different types of awards, each one recognizing a different type of contribution. All British honours are awarded on merit.
 
3.   Non-British nationals who have made an important contribution to British interests can be nominated for honorary awards. These awards are conferred by Her Majesty The Queen on the advice of the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary.

4.   The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire was founded in 1917. The order honours civilians and service personnel for public service or other distinctions. It is widely used by HM The Queen to honour non-British subjects who have given outstanding service to the UK, both in the UK and abroad.

5.   The honour CBE is that of a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. The recipient may put the letters “CBE” after their name, subject to the rules laid down by authorities of the recipient’s country.

6.   Honorary awards to foreign nationals are published by the FCO website, which lists awards formally approved by The Queen annually.

PHOTOS OF THE INVESTITURE WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER 2:00 P.M. ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2009.