LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore announced his retirement from leading one of the nation’s largest law enforcement agencies on Friday. His tenure, ending in February, has been marked by challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, racial injustice protests, and increased scrutiny over police use of force and civilian fatalities. Moore will continue in a consulting role for an unspecified duration.
Moore’s departure comes as law enforcement agencies, including his own, reevaluate their use of force policies following the global outcry after George Floyd’s murder in 2020. The LAPD, under Moore’s leadership, faced criticism for its handling of protests.
Acknowledging his tenure’s difficulties at a news conference with Mayor Karen Bass, Moore said, “I know I’ve made mistakes and missteps,” but also highlighted his successes. The Board of Police Commissioners will soon appoint an interim chief and launch a national search for his successor, who will oversee security for the 2028 Olympics.
Appointed in 2018 and reappointed last year for a second term, Moore’s decision to retire was unexpected. Emotionally, he shared plans to relocate closer to his family.
The LAPD faced intense scrutiny, especially post-George Floyd protests. An independent report condemned the department’s outdated tactics and failure to implement agreed-upon reforms. These protests, while mostly peaceful, saw instances of violence, rights violations, and property damage, igniting several lawsuits.
Local activists have continued to oppose the LAPD and Moore’s leadership, with groups like Black Lives Matter expressing relief at his departure.
Moore, known for his analytical and data-centric approach, faced criticism over his officers’ conduct, including a 2018 incident where police fatally shot an innocent bystander.
His tenure also coincided with debates over California’s Proposition 47, which reclassified certain theft offenses. Moore established a task force to combat smash-and-grab robberies, which Mayor Bass noted had seen a decline.
The city’s ongoing homelessness crisis, where law enforcement’s role is evolving, remains a significant challenge. In 2021, nearly a quarter of LA’s homicides involved homeless victims.
Moore’s legacy is further marred by incidents like the 2021 South Los Angeles fireworks explosion caused by bomb technicians, injuring many and damaging a neighborhood.
Additionally, an accidental public records release revealing undercover officers’ identities stirred controversy and led to an investigation into Moore and the LAPD’s constitutional policing director.
The Los Angeles Police Protective League, representing officers, acknowledged their productive but sometimes divergent relationship with Moore. The union hopes the new chief will focus on rebuilding officer ranks, reducing crime, and boosting morale.
