Ex-Deputy Mayor Eileen Decker Appointed to LA Police Commission

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Former Deputy Mayor Eileen Decker was unanimously appointed Wednesday by the Los Angeles City Council to serve on the Board of Police Commissioners.

Decker previously served as a U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California under then-President Barack Obama, and as L.A. Deputy Mayor for Homeland Security and Public Safety from 2009-15. She is currently a lecturer at the USC Gould School of Law.

"My dedication to upholding the concept of the commission and having civilian oversight is very true and very real," Decker told the City Council. "I'm also hopeful that my time in the city will allow me to get very engaged in the department and engaged with the community and help bridge that gap that sometimes exists between the department and the citizens it serves to protect."

Decker was nominated by Mayor Eric Garcetti to replace Commissioner Matt Johnson, who had served on the board for three years.

"Eileen is an exceptional leader and thinker -- and her unyielding determination for justice will be a remarkable asset on the Police Commission," Garcetti said last month when he announced her nomination.

"She is one of America's finest public safety professionals, and her forward- thinking approach will help us shape a future for the LAPD that is defined by stronger relationships with all of L.A.'s communities, better technology for officers in the field, and more resources for the men and women who put themselves on the line for us every day."

Garcetti's office said Decker oversaw matters relating to the Los Angeles Police, Fire and Emergency Management departments during her time as a deputy mayor.

--City News Service/Shutterstock image