Now, On With LAPD Reform : By dropping his $10-million claim, Williams can refocus his attention

Police Chief Willie L. Williams did the right thing when he dropped his $10-million invasion-of-privacy claim, which would have prolonged the controversy involving his Las Vegas trips and the leaking of his confidential personnel records. Now the chief’s focus can shift from this distraction back to where it belongs, on the challenge of improving the Los Angeles Police Department with all deliberate speed.

Williams has extended an olive branch to the mayor and the Police Commission. They should follow the lead of the Los Angeles City Council. Eleven council members stood with the chief on Wednesday to indicate unity and support for his decision. That was a show of leadership. (Mayor Richard Riordan’s office said he had a prior appointment, a Metropolitan Transit Authority meeting.) Chief Williams needs the support of the city’s entire leadership to expand the LAPD and rebuild confidence in the beleaguered force.

The Mark Fuhrman tapes revived legitimate concerns about problem cops, racism, sexism and excessive use of force. These problems are not new. The Christopher Commission identified them in 1991 and made recommendations that, unfortunately, have not been fully implemented.

Los Angeles learned a lesson during the 1992 riots. When Mayor Tom Bradley and Police Chief Daryl F. Gates were at war, public safety suffered. No one expects Riordan and Williams to be best friends, but surely they at least can work together smoothly. In order for Williams to succeed, he needs to get support from inside and outside the department.

Bad morale in the LAPD is only part of the problem. Los Angeles is underpoliced and quickly losing officers through retirement and attrition. The department needs new squad cars and equipment. Of course the hard-working men and women in blue deserve better.

The Las Vegas episode damaged relations between the chief and the rank and file. The controversy armed the chief’s critics and disappointed some of his supporters. Now that Williams has dropped his claim, Los Angeles should move on.