Chief to Meet With Israeli Police, Political Leaders

William J. Bratton traveled to Israel this week to deliver a speech and meet with police and political leaders, honoring a commitment that Los Angeles officials say was made months before his selection as chief of police.

Bratton, who is scheduled to return to Los Angeles on Thursday, is scheduled to speak to “OR YAROK” or “Green Light,” a volunteer organization dedicated to reducing traffic fatalities in the Jewish state, said LAPD spokeswoman Mary Grady.

The chief is also scheduled to hold meetings with Israeli police organizations and political leaders in an effort to learn more about the country’s counter-terrorism measures.

Grady said Bratton notified Mayor James K. Hahn and the city Ethics Commission before embarking on the trip.

Police Commission President Rick Caruso said that he had encouraged Bratton to make the trip and also said that he believed the speech was the second of two prior contractual commitments.

“I encouraged Bill to do it because there’s a real benefit to having him there right now,” Caruso said. “The leadership of the city should go around the world to learn about a multitude of issues -- not only terrorism.

“There’s a lot to learn from the Israelis. That’s no different from people coming here to learn from the LAPD.”

The trip comes as the department is assembling a new command staff and dealing with numerous gang-related homicides, primarily in South Los Angeles.

“This was a speaking engagement that he was asked to do before he was hired by the LAPD,” Grady said. “He is also taking the opportunity to meet with ministry and police officials in order to learn what he could from the Israelis, who are experts in counter-terrorism and airport safety.”

Bratton, who is paid $239,039 annually, was invited by the organization when he was head of his private policing and security consulting firm, the Bratton Group. Police officials said they were not aware of the specifics of the speech or how much the chief would be paid for the appearance.