Police Chief James T. Butts, Jr.'s Statement to Staff

I have been offered and have accepted a position with the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). The position is titled Deputy Executive Director of Law Enforcement & Protection Services. It is a newly created position beneath the Executive Director of LAWA. I will be a City of Los Angeles employee.

In this position I will oversee the nation's largest airport law enforcement and security organization. I will be responsible for leading the more than 1,200 sworn and civilian personnel assigned to protect and serve at LAWA's four airports -- Los Angeles International (LAX), Ontario International (ONT), Palmdale Regional and Van Nuys. LAX, ONT and PMD serve more than 68 million passengers a year while VNY is the world's busiest general aviation airport.

I will oversee the LAWA police and security forces assigned to the four airports in three cities, as well as assume a pivotal role in collaborating and coordinating law enforcement and security duties performed by more than 4,000 federal and local officers. The largest of these outside agencies include the Transportation Security Administration (2,000 transportation security officers) and Customs and Border Protection (800 sworn officers). Ironically, one of my first duties will be to select a new Chief of the Los Angeles Airport Police Department. My largest and most immediate challenge will be to strengthen the airport protection systems and infrastructure to deter terrorist attacks.

I will be based at LAWA's Clifton A. Moore Administration Building at LAX. I will report to my new position in late summer/early fall following the completion of my responsibilities to ensure an orderly and effective transition of command at the Santa Monica Police Department.

In the 15 years I have served as Chief of Police in the City of Santa Monica, the PD and community working together have seen crime fall to its lowest level since 1957, average police liability expenses fall to an average of less than $60,000 per year and public approval ratings surge into the 80% range. Citizen complaints are at a historic low an excessive force complaints today are a rarity. I want to thank and acknowledge all of you that have made my career a success. All that I have achieved over these years is merely a reflection of what all of you in the SMPD have accomplished. I am thankful, grateful and humbled by your support and excellence. If I forget to name some of you, be kind, I'm over 50....

Our Traffic Services Division is a model of effectiveness and efficiency and our Robbery-Homicide detectives have brought and continue to bring justice to the families of those victims lost to homicide. OCI sets the standard for investigators in our region and YSD breaks new ground every year in the protection and nurturing of the youth in our community. Where would we be without Jason Mann, our excellent Rangemaster, Eric Uller, the dean of technology, or Neela and Laura Richie-Rojas, the budget queens. Marla Mccullough, thank you for hard work, all the grants you've written and for rescuing our history. Safa and Robbie, thanks for all the excellent (usually rush - I need it now) analyses. Our Forensics people....better than CSI. Animal Control...tough job...kind folks.

Communications, Records, Community Relations, CSO's, Cadets, Explorers, PAL, and Vice/Narco have set a high bar of service and commitment. Our IA and Audit & Inspections Division have maintained our excellent reputation for self-policing. Our Jail personnel run an operation so flawless that we seldom ever pay the emotional and financial costs associated with the risks of running a custody facility. The Motors and Traffic Division keep traffic flowing through an 8.5 square miles city that draws close to 500,000 people on a summer weekend, an amazing feat.

The Background & Recruitment crew Kim, Bobby, Capri, Sgt. Steve Heineman, Luara M., and Michelle find the best people for the SMPD and Sandra Dee and Anthony make sure our training is the best. The Harbor Guards keep our Pier safe and they and Sgt. Horn have the best ocean view in the City of Santa Monica. (Memo to myself...transfer Larry.) In this post 911 world, we are fortunate to have such able people as our Airport Services personnel and Sgt. Hudson securing the SM Airport. And where would we be without the Homeless Liaison Program officers....

Our uniformed Patrol Division officers crush crime like an iron fist in a velvet glove while tending to quality of life issues that if left unattended, would detrimentally impact how our residents, guests and visitors feel about this great city. The supervisors, managers,sergeants, lieutenants, and executive commanders provide leadership, support and mentoring on a daily basis that ensures we continue to grow as an organization and as people. You make NCP work and make this magnificent police department run. If I named all of you, I would never finish this email. But you know who are and how much I respect each and every one of you.

The SMPOA leadership has evolved into model of representative responsibility and has a solid track record of giving back to the Santa Monica community that provides the economic livelihood that sustains all of us and our families. I want to thank the SMPOA President, Sgt. Greg Smiley, and all the Board of Directors for your collaboration and assistance in making the SMPD second to none. Just yesterday Capt. Smiley informed me that the Rick Crocker memorial golf tournament raised $30,000 for our PAL kids. Milo, Patti, Natalie, Karen and Bobby Temple, thanks for taking such good care of and being such great role models for our PAL children.

Over the years our City Councils have given us support, taken us to task and challenged us to reach higher on occasion, but have always stood up for the character and good work of all of us. Bob Holbrook, Ken Genser, and Herb Katz were on the Council (Herb has left and returned) when I was hired. Pam O'Connor, Bobby Shriver, Richard Bloom, and Kevin McKeown support this police department. Our City Managers have always given great weight and consideration to the needs of the PD and our magnificent Personnel Department (KB,Jill, Bridget, Clara, Roslyn, Lunita R.) has put forth an herculean effort, year in and year out to help us recruit and staff the largest single entity in City government. Barbara Trujillo was instrumental in helping us get our employees the medical treatment they deserve.

We have experienced joy and tragedy alongside our public safety brethren in the Fire Department, and I thank Fire Chiefs Hone, Berardenelli, Bridges and Motenero for your friendship and assistance throughout the years. Our Firefighters are the greatest.

What would the PD have been without the advice and protection of our legal guardians in the City Attorney's Office; Marsha, Joe, Jeanette, Barbara G., Norm, Marty, Debra K., Cara, Betty, Alicia, Carol R., Lynn C., Eriko, Anthony S., Judy J., Lance, David, Linda, Michael and Maria thank you for your wise counsel throughout the years. You guys are the absolute best. Deborah F. and Chris H., I will never forget you two.Kate V., Craig, Jory, Gordon, Barbara S., Stephanie, Maria, Mona, Julie, Tom P., Jeff, Steve, Karen B., and Judy F., thank you for being my partners in crime. Gordon and Lauren, my special thanks for getting the PSF done and those darn signs up.

Thanks to John Jalili for hiring me, Susan McCarthy for enduring me (smile) and Lamont Ewell for supporting me. We are so fortunate to have someone of his quality, intelligence and character follow behind two very capable and successful City Managers.

Elke, Coco....nothing happens without you....no pay....no transfers....no promotions....so you guys had best treat them well.

Terrie Centeno....my dear friend...without you not only would I have been late for almost every meeting....I might not have gotten there at all...Thank you for everything TC. You took good care of me.

I am the luckiest man alive. I got to spend 15 years of my life with all of you. It will forever be my honor to have served with you.

Thank you all so much. I look forward to our next few months together.

Chief B.