A Top Cop Says Goodby

Jesse A. Brewer became a cop when the Los Angeles Police Department was primarily a white male bastion, and black officers had to prove more than their knowledge of law enforcement to succeed. In spite of the hurdles, and a few hurts, Brewer rose to become assistant chief, the No. 2 person in the large department. His decision to retire will leave a vacuum in the department, and in the city.

When Police Chief Daryl Gates promoted Brewer to the assistant chief’s spot three years ago, he praised the veteran “as a man who is always there when you need him.” Brewer’s many fans inside and outside the department echo that sentiment.

During his admirable command of the busy South and Central bureaus, Brewer impressed many with his determination and sensitivity. His hard work paid off with a new and more equitable formula for the overall deployment of officers, which put more police on patrol in minority neighborhoods. But he never tolerated officers who rode roughshod over law-abiding citizens.

In his nearly 40 years of public service, Brewer has worked traffic, homicide, burglary, community relations and training. Throughout his career, he has been tough but compassionate. He has also inspired younger black officers, including many demoralized by the slow pace of promotions for minorities.

Brewer’s decision to retire comes a month after the departure of Deputy Chief William Rathburn. Now there’s some room at the top of the LAPD. Let’s hope it finds another Jess Brewer.