Bratton’s criticisms of L.A. council draw mild rebuke from police panel

The Los Angeles Police Commission issued a mild rebuke to Chief William J. Bratton on Tuesday, determining that his critical comments about two City Council members did not rise to the level of misconduct, but that he “ideally would have acted differently.”

Bratton welcomed the decision after commenting to reporters earlier in the day that some of the friction that has followed his tenure may stem from what amounts to a clash of cultures.

“People tend to be very sensitive out here,” the Boston-bred chief said, “a lot more sensitive than they are back East.”

Five council members filed a formal complaint in July, alleging that Bratton engaged in a pattern of unprofessional conduct that raised questions about his ability to lead the Los Angeles Police Department.

Council members were particularly upset about comments the sometimes brusque Bratton had made on a television news program after Councilmen Bernard C. Parks and Dennis Zine complained about a change in the department’s drug-testing policy for recruits. In response to a question, the chief said the council members -- both former LAPD officers -- “do not know what the hell they’re talking about.”

In addition to Parks and Zine, council members Jose Huizar, Tony Cardenas and Jan Perry signed the complaint. It also alleged that the chief had told Parks and Zine to “mind their own business,” accused the council of being “missing in action” on the LAPD budget, and suggested that they “start attending some of the funerals of the victims of crime.”

In a letter to council members that was obtained by The Times, the commission said it had looked into whether Bratton has engaged in “a pattern of making discourteous remarks,” and decided that the chief’s actions should be classified as “nondisciplinary -- Employee’s Actions Could Have Been Different.”

“This means the commission determined that the accused employee ideally would have acted differently, but that his actions do not rise to the level of misconduct,” Police Commission President John Mack wrote to council members.

The LAPD manual provides that when a “nondisciplinary” finding is reached, the commission can provide counseling to the chief, a notice to correct his actions or put a comment card in his personnel file noting the finding.

Mack and the chief declined to say Tuesday what action was taken.

“We have deliberated and made a decision and communicated our decision to the chief,” Mack said.

News of the commission’s decision occurred the same day that Bratton -- dapper in his blue uniform and walking hand-in-hand with his television-personality wife -- appeared before the Police Commission to publicly launch his campaign for a second five-year term as chief.

Bratton and wife Rikki Klieman said they have set down roots in Southern California, noting that her acting career had taken off with a recurring role on the network drama “Las Vegas” while Bratton’s 35-year-old son has moved in with them to study filmmaking at USC.

Bratton said violent crime is down 48% since he became chief in 2002, the police force has expanded by more than 300 officers, and reforms mandated by a federal judge are nearly in place.

“I think the accomplishments are many, but a lot of work remains ahead,” the chief said.

The commission has until July 27 to decide whether to give Bratton another term.

Before his commission appearance, Bratton told reporters that his relationship with City Council members has improved.

“I think, after some initial missteps in coming into town, the relationships across the street are very good,” he said. “We will agree to disagree from time to time and from time to time we will jab each other in the nose. You have a little scrape here and there, but right now is a good time.

“I get along with pretty much everybody,” he added.

Zine and Huizar said Tuesday they were willing to put the matter behind him.

“I think what the chief said was inappropriate,” Zine said. “But I think he has learned from this.”

Zine said he is not going to second-guess the commission but believes some rank-and-file officers may expect the same treatment for making discourteous remarks in the future.

Parks declined to comment.

Bratton suggested to reporters that his past troubles with some council members may have to do with a difference in personal styles between Angelenos and residents of New York and Boston, where he formerly headed the police departments.

“New York is much more of a slugfest. People don’t mind getting into the ring and slugging it out,” Bratton said. “Here people tend to stay in the corners more, rather than getting into the center of the ring.”

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patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com