LAPD Chief William J. Bratton Begins Second 5-Year Term

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton made Department history today as he became the first Chief to be sworn in to serve a second term under the new term limits set in 1992 by City Charter Amendment F. Chief Bratton also becomes the first Chief of the LAPD to serve consecutive back-to-back terms. The Chief was sworn in for his second 5-year term during a public ceremony at the Elysian Park Academy.

Chief Bratton became the 54th Chief of Police of the Los Angeles Police Department on October 25, 2002. Under his leadership, and thanks to the hard work of the men and women of the LAPD, Los Angeles has seen historic crime reductions. From the day of Chief Bratton’s first swearing in through October 23, 2007, homicides are down 36%, while total Part I crimes are down 31%. The current crime rate in the city is lower than it has been at any time since the 1950’s. Additionally, Chief Bratton has directed a major reform of the Department, helping to change the insular culture of the rank-and-file and deliver a level of transparency to the public that is unprecedented in LAPD history. Chief Bratton has also achieved near-complete compliance with the Federal Consent Decree, implemented the use of modern technology in fighting crime and positioned the LAPD as a leader in terrorism prevention and preparedness.

“For the last five years, Chief Bratton has served the people of Los Angeles with honor, integrity and professionalism while achieving a level of success unrivaled anywhere in the nation,” said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “Bill Bratton is the finest police chief in the nation, and the residents of Los Angeles are fortunate to have him for another five years.”

Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco said of Bratton’s swearing in, “I am very proud to be part of this day when my fellow Police Commissioners and I give the City of Los Angeles another five years with the leading law enforcement professional in this country. Chief Bratton’s accomplishments in the past five years are nothing short of outstanding, and there is no doubt, under his leadership, the next five years will be a turning point for public safety in our City.”

Dignitaries present at today’s ceremony included Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Police Commissioners Anthony Pacheco, John Mack, Shelley Freeman, Andrea Ordin and Alan Skobin, former Police Commission President Rick Caruso, members of the Los Angeles City Council, elected officials including California State Attorney General Jerry Brown, numerous community leaders, the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department, and family and friends of Chief Bratton.