LAPD Chief Michel Moore announces he will retire at the end of February
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore will be retiring from his position with the LAPD in February, an unexpected departure as the head of one of the nation's largest law enforcement agencies.
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass made the announcement at a Friday afternoon press conference in which she stated that she had asked Moore to stay and serve in a consultant role to assist an interim chief, for an undetermined time period.
"And he has graciously accepted, agreeing to stay on contract after he steps down at the end of February," said Bass. "This means, of course, that the police commission will have to appoint an interim chief and a nationwide search will be conducted."
"With my announcement today, Mayor Bass now has the ability to search and identify the next chief of police for this great department, who will lead this department through the World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games," Moore said.
He has been chief since 2018 and had been reappointed last year for a second term as chief - though he did not plan to serve the full five years.
Moore said it was a "distinct honor and privilege to have served for more than four decades on the finest police department in the world and for the last five-and-a-half years as chief."
"I'm proud of my leadership and the service over the course of that arduous time. Our people rose each occasion. They demonstrated professionalism, grace and grit. During my tenure I know I've made mistakes and missteps, but I'm also confident that my work has seen success across a broad spectrum of topics, unmatched by any other law enforcement agency in this country," said Moore.
"To those who believed in me, to those who were patient...to those who allowed me in their lives and to my critics, while it may not have seem at the time, each of you have had an impact in my life and I am grateful," Moore added.
"He led our department through tumultuous times, a worldwide pandemic, in which he implemented creative strategies to combat spike in crime throughout the country," said Bass. "He has served our city with distinction and has always worked to ensure that Los Angeles was prepared."
Choking up during Friday's news conference, Moore said he and his wife plan to move closer to their out-of-state daughter. He has been a police officer for more than four decades.
"More importantly, to my wife Cindy, the most important person in my life, who has been by my side, thick and thin, I'll be forever grateful and in your debt for your boundless love and devotion for allowing me to take this path and supporting me in this journey, and believing in me despite my faults and shortcomings," said Moore, holding back tears.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
