Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore announced he would retire from the department at the end of February.

The announcement was made at a Jan. 12 press conference with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass at Moore’s side.

“I want to thank Chief Michel Moore for his more than 40 years of service to the people of Los Angeles, and for his partnership in bringing homicides and violent crime down over the last year,” Mayor Bass said. “Amidst a national police recruiting crisis, LAPD also saw more than 1,000 applicants to its academy in a single month, which is the highest number in years. I have directed the immediate launch of a nationwide search for LAPD’s next chief, which will include significant community input and consultation with law enforcement officers and experts. The appointment of an interim chief will be made by the Board of Police Commissioners.”

Moore said his decision was made after speaking with and spending time with his family over the holidays and intended to clarify his intentions to Mayor Bass.

“I am proud of my leadership and service over the course of my tenure as the Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department,” Moore said. “Our people rose to each occasion and demonstrated professionalism, grace, and grit. I am confident there is ample leadership within the organization to continue the world-class public service provided each and every day to the City of Los Angeles.”

His announcement was foreshadowed from the moment he accepted his reappointment a year ago. Bass reappointed Moore on January 31, 2023, after which Moore said he would not likely finish out his term, but stay long enough to aid the mayor as she began her own term that year.

The chief also acknowledged his announcement would be a “relief” to some, referencing local organizations who have scrutinized him over the years, such as Black Lives Matter Los Angeles (BLMLA).

“LAPD Chief Michel Moore was fired by the people!” BLMLA wrote in an online statement. “Since 2020, BLMLA and allies have been calling for the removal of LAPD Chief Michel Moore…first petitioning former mayor Garcetti to fire him, then calling on Mayor Bass to refuse his reappointment. Just 6 months into his second term, Michel Moore has announced that he’ll retire at the end of next month. We call this a people’s victory!”

The campaign to have Moore removed was headed by BLMLA cofounder Melina Abdullah, who often pointed out multiple deadly LAPD shootings that occurred during Moore’s tenure.

Moore said there were mistakes made on his part in his time as chief, but also rattled off several accomplishments he was proud of, such as technological upgrades within the force, community engagement efforts and reforms in the de-escalation of force.

The Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners will now be tasked with finding a replacement chief, but Moore will be retained on contract up to that point.