Ex-LAPD Chief Warns of Officer Exodus, Olympic Chaos Over Mayoral Candidate's Plan

Former Los Angeles Police Department Chief Bill Bratton has voiced strong opposition to mayoral candidate Nithya Raman's stated intention to replace LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, warning that such a move could trigger a significant exodus of officers and jeopardize security preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games. Bratton, who previously transformed the LAPD during his tenure and served as New York City's police commissioner twice, described Raman's pledge, made just weeks before the Nov. 3 election, as "political malfeasance."

Bratton expressed concern in an interview that Raman's approach to policing could exacerbate the department's existing staffing shortage. "I can almost predict with certainty… that you will see a potential mass exodus from the LAPD with that type of political posturing and political drama," Bratton stated.

His primary concern centers on the potential disruption to Olympic security planning. McDonnell has been involved in these preparations since becoming chief in 2024, leveraging decades of law enforcement experience in Southern California. Bratton argued that replacing the "master planner" so close to the Games would be a critical error, especially given the heightened complexities of modern policing, including terrorism, cyber threats, and drone surveillance, which far surpass the challenges faced during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. McDonnell himself has firsthand experience with Olympic security, having been an LAPD officer during the 1984 Games.

"Twenty-first century policing is very different than what went on back in 1984," Bratton said, emphasizing the need for a chief adept at collaboration and coordination, qualities he attributes to McDonnell. He also noted the potential political friction of coordinating security under a Republican presidential administration in a Democratic city, a situation where McDonnell's skills would be invaluable.

Bratton and McDonnell have a long professional history. They met in 1976 when Bratton was a sergeant in Boston and McDonnell was a civilian clerk. When Bratton took over the LAPD in 2002, he promoted McDonnell to assistant chief and his second-in-command, relying on McDonnell's reform plan to help overhaul the department. During Bratton's tenure, crime rates decreased, staffing increased from approximately 9,200 to 10,000 officers, and community policing efforts were expanded.

Following Bratton's resignation in 2009, McDonnell was a candidate to succeed him. After serving as Long Beach police chief and Los Angeles County sheriff, McDonnell was appointed LAPD chief by Mayor Karen Bass in 2024.

Raman has criticized McDonnell's handling of protests against federal immigration raids, asserting the department failed to protect demonstrators and calling for new leadership. At an October 5 rally, she reiterated her pledge to replace him, advocating for a different public safety approach.

However, Bratton cautioned that officers might leave if they perceive a lack of mayoral support. "Having a mayor who does not support you, why would you stay?" he asked.

The LAPD staffing level has reportedly fallen to around 8,500 officers, down from the approximately 10,000 officers during Bratton's departure in 2009. Despite the reduced numbers, the department reported a 19% decrease in homicides in 2025, with 230 incidents, the lowest since 1966, and an 8% drop in shooting victims.

Bratton also commented on speculation that George Gascón, the former district attorney, might be considered to replace McDonnell, noting Gascón's unpopularity among LAPD officers. "So if she were to bring him or somebody like him into the department, that complicates it even further," he warned. Raman has previously denied she would appoint Gascón.

Bratton, now executive chairman of Teneo's Risk Division, concluded by emphasizing the need for stability in the department leading up to the Olympics. "You need stability for the next couple of years out there. You don't need instability."