LAPD Chief William Bratton Leaving in October

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — LAPD Chief William Bratton will step down from his post at the end of October, leaving to head the newly formed Altegrity Security Consulting. The firm will provide consulting services to police departments around the world.

"It has been a remarkable seven years but it is time to move on," said Bratton at a noon press conference.

The L.A. Times was first to report the news this morning, which came as a shock to many.

Bratton came to Los Angeles in 2002 and is widely acclaimed for making the city a safer place. Last month's removal of a consent decree that had governed LAPD was considered a major milestone for the department.

Throughout the day, blogdowntown will be assembling quotes from Downtown leaders on the Chief's impact on the city and Downtown.

City Councilman José Huizar, 14th District

No one man did more to usher the Los Angeles Police Department into the 21st Century than Chief William Bratton. In doing so, he earned the respect of Rank and File and community members alike. He has built a phenomenal legacy and I wish him well.

Russell Brown, Executive Director, Historic Downtown BID

I think Bratton has done quite a good job in bringing unity back to the department. I've been quite impressed with the choice of leaders he's brought Downtown, including Captain Blake Chow. The department has worked very closely with the community to get information out and address issues.

Estela Lopez, Executive Director, Central City East Association

The depth of Bill Bratton's impact on Central City East cannot be overstated. In short, he "got it." He understood the fundamentals and without apology implemented a strategy that has brought a safety and security to these streets that had not been seen in decades. At every opportunity I have expressed to him the appreciation of a grateful community. We are sorry to see him go.

Carol E. Schatz, President & CEO, Central City Association

This is a huge loss for Los Angeles and Downtown. He understands the critical role that public safety plays in revitalizing commercial centers. He and Rikki will be sorely missed.

Tom Gilmore, Gilmore & Associates

It's difficult to overstate how significant his impact has been. No less than an entire change in mindset and operation of the department is due directly to his influence. The City, its residents and the LAPD owe him a huge debt of gratitude. His refusal to accept the status quo in Downtown and his efforts to meaningfully address the issues of Skid Row have yielded not just a safer Downtown, but the start of a meaningful dialogue between Residents, Homeless service providers, the City Attorney's office and the LAPD, that will carry on long after his departure. He will be sorely missed, but he has built a solid foundation for the LAPD's future.

Captain Blake Chow, Central Area

Chief Bratton has been a great leader but more importantly a catalyst for phenomenal change in this organization. His leadership philosophy and style brings out immense creativity in people and that is what has propelled the Department to be as successful and also well accepted as it is.