Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton stands in front of the new police headquarters building, with City Hall reflected in the glass behind him. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
The Los Angeles Police Department SWAT Team rappels down the new building next to a freshly unfurled flag during the grand opening ceremony. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
L.A. City Councilwoman Jan Perry, center, gazes up at the scene. The building is 10 stories tall, and the headquarters complex includes a cafe and a 400-seat civic auditorium. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Nasario Vasquez, left, Eduardo Aguilera and other dancers with Fiesta Grupo Folklorico performed during the ceremony. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Folk dancers rehearse before the ceremony. The as-yet-unnamed police headquarters will replace Parker Center, which was built in 1955. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Police Chief William J. Bratton noted the new building’s symbolically significant location. It is flanked on three sides by City Hall, the CalTrans building and the Los Angeles Times -- fixtures that represent facets of the community, he said. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Three-year-old Jessica O’Brien takes a rest as the grand opening ceremony continues. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Bratton salutes as the flags are raised at the new building. He is leaving the LAPD at the end of the month. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Bratton and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa cut the red ribbon, officially opening the new police headquarters. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
