News of Bratton's departure reverberated throughout City Hall.

"He came, he saw, he conquered and now it's time for him to move on," Councilwoman Janice Hahn said. Hahn added that Bratton's chief goals in coming to Los Angeles were to reduce crime and improve the department's standing. Once the consent decree was lifted, she had not expected him to stay long, she said.

Bratton and his wife (and my good friend) Rikki Klieman put their home on the market last month.

Bratton had a very successful run as police chief. He was instrumental in turning around its infamous "culture of corruption."

Last month, in a big victory for Bratton, a federal judge lifts the consent decree imposed in the wake of the Rampart corruption scandal.

I attended Bill Bratton's swearing in ceremony in L.A. in October, 2002. As I wrote then, "...attending the ceremonies was a window into an entirely new and foreign world. I'm grateful I was invited to catch a glimpse of it."

I may not be enamored of police in general, but I have to say, Bill Bratton is an exception and an enormously talented individual. I wish him and Rikki great success in whatever ventures are next on their horizon.

All of TalkLeft's coverage of Bill Bratton over the years is assembled here.