by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright October 3, 2002
All Rights Reserved.

howing A-plus leadership and proving, beyond any doubt, that he's above the political fray, Los Angeles Mayor Jim Hahn selected former New York City Police Commissioner William J. Bratton to succeed former Chief Bernard C. Parks, though Bratton actually replaces interim Chief Martin Pomeroy. Despite pressure from the City Council and elsewhere, Hahn carefully listened, skillfully collaborated, thoughtfully analyzed and wisely chose the right candidate to lead the Los Angeles Police Department. Though Bratton gained national recognition for overhauling the NYPD, press reports exaggerated his unquenchable thirst for the limelight and overstated conflicts with former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Before Hahn's selection, pundits speculated that Hahn wouldn't pick someone too high profile, fearing it would eclipse his stature. They were wrong—dead wrong. Purely and simply: Hahn didn't select Bratton too make himself look good—he chose the best candidate for the LAPD and City of Los Angeles.

     When Hahn announced in February he wouldn't give Parks another five-year contract, he showed conviction, character and political courage. Since then, he's endured the wrath of South Central, whose leaders felt betrayed after supporting Hahn against Antonio Villaraigosa. Yet, the same pressure emerged, this time from the "Latino coalition" on the City Council, throwing support to former Deputy LAPD Chief and current Oxnard Police Chief Art Lopez. "Everyone agrees that the three candidates are qualified," said Councilman Nick Pacheco, urging Hahn to select LA's first Latino police chief. But Pacheco was wrong implying that all candidates were equally qualified—and talented. Bratton's legendary two-year stint at the NYPD and his impressive resume doesn't begin to tell the whole story. Only by listening attentively and watching Bratton in action did Hahn witness his superiority. Articulate, engaging and energetic, Bratton has the charisma needed to change the LAPD

     On resume alone, Bratton was the odds-on favorite from the day he threw his hat into the ring. Spending a year on the team monitoring compliance with a federal consent decree, Bratton got an up-close look at the LAPD. Bratton's reforms at the NYPD tell only part of the story behind Hahn's decision. "He really is one of the top cops in the United States," said Dean Hansell, former vice president of the Police Commission, especially impressed with New York's precipitous drop in crime under Bratton. But whether crime dropped because of Bratton's leadership is anyone's guess. Beyond crime stats, Bratton brought enthusiasm, vision and strong leadership to the NYPD—the exact qualities needed to turn around the LAPD. "I think its going to be a really difficult situation for him," said finalist Art Lopez, expressing disappointment, after learning about Hahn's decision. While no one expects a cakewalk, Bratton's leadership skills should more than compensate for his outsider status—and Bostonian accent.

     At 54, Bratton is in top form philosophizing about police work. Saying all the right things, "The most famous police badge in the world, and whatever little tarnish is there, will be wiped clean," Bratton told an enthusiastic crowd at a well-choreographed press conference at LAPD's high-tech-looking North Hollywood station, demonstrating the kind of charm bound to rally the troops. Though Oxnard Police Chief and former Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Timoney were well qualified, they lacked Bratton's charm and gift for public speaking. "My decision was clear," Hahn said. "William Bratton is the right person at the right time lead the LAPD into a new era." Hitting the nail on the head, "William Bratton best embodies the leadership qualities needed to make Los Angeles the safest big city in America," expressing confidence in Bratton's track record and many talents.

    Skeptics, doubting that an outsider can turn around the LAPD, seem genuinely impressed with how Bratton reached out to disparate groups. Even Urban League President John Mack expressed confidence in Bratton, while recognizing the hurdles. "He will have his hands full. It will not be an easy task," said Mack, though, at the same time, praising Bratton for making efforts to overcome barriers. No matter how diverse the demographics, inspired leadership knows no ethnic or racial boundaries. Bratton personifies the kind of color-blind professionalism needed to get the job done. With contagious enthusiasm—and the words to back it up—Bratton takes the reins of the nation's second largest police force. Though a daunting challenge, he's up to the task.

      From the day Bratton announced his interest in June, Hahn and the Police Commission knew LA was graced with a great opportunity. Extraordinary talent doesn't happen often enough. Give Hahn the credit for rising above politics and picking the best talent for the City of Los Angeles. While some see Hahn's move as shrewd political calculation, in reality he just chose the best man for the job. Without fanfare, his decision turned purely on what was best for LA. With secession looming, choosing Bratton made a powerful case for keeping the city intact. Whether it's South Central, the Westside or San Fernando Valley, all residents—and City Hall—will benefit from Bratton's leadership and reforms at LAPD. Looking at the bigger picture, Bratton will no doubt see artifacts from Rodney King and Ramparts, but his steady hand should mark a new beginning and hope for the future. LA shouldn't forget who made it happen.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He's a consultant and expert in strategic communication. He's author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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