Bratton steps down

Police Chief William J. Bratton, the man credited with improving the image of the Los Angeles Police Department and bringing crime down to historic lows, announced Wednesday he is leaving the department to join a private security firm in New York. Daily News.

"When you love what you do, love the people you work with, there is never any good time to leave," Bratton said at a City Hall news conference. "But there is a right time. And, for me, professionally and personally, this is the right time.

Legacy of change
When William Bratton was hired to head the LAPD in 2002, the agency's image was tarnished by low morale, rising crime, the inability to attract and retain officers and the imposition of a federal consent decree.

"The choice was pretty clear," a City Hall insider said at the time. "Bill Bratton led large police organizations and turned them all around."

Long ties with Cherkasky
Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton, credited with resolving the city's law enforcement woes and building bridges to its minority community, will tackle much bigger territory in his next job: the world. Gregory J. Wilcox in the Daily News.

Bratton was named Wednesday as CEO of Altegrity Security Consulting, a newly formed unit of Altegrity Inc., which will work to establish criminal justice and law enforcement systems around the globe.

Search for successor
With the surprise resignation of Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton, widely credited for repairing LAPD's thuggish reputation, city leaders said they hope to find a replacement who can build on his successes. Troy Anderson in the Daily News.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said the general manager of the city's personnel department will conduct an extensive worldwide search, considering both LAPD and external candidates.