Bill Bratton warns Nithya Raman's plan to oust LAPD Chief could trigger officer exodus

Former Los Angeles Police Chief Bill Bratton has warned that mayoral candidate Nithya Raman’s proposal to remove LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell could lead to a mass departure of officers. Bratton described Raman’s pledge to replace McDonnell as “political malfeasance” during an interview with The California Post.

Bratton expressed significant concern regarding the timing of such a change, noting that it could disrupt security planning for the 2028 Olympics. McDonnell has been leading Olympic security preparations since becoming chief in 2024, utilizing his experience from the 1984 Games. Bratton emphasized that modern security requirements, including defenses against terrorism, cyberattacks, and drones, require the stability of seasoned leadership.

The warning comes as the LAPD already faces a serious staffing shortage. Bratton suggested that the political drama surrounding the potential leadership change could exacerbate these shortages and destabilize the department ahead of the international event.