Inglewood Police Chief Quits to Join the Ministry

Inglewood Police Chief Oliver Thompson announced Wednesday that he will step down after five years as chief March 1 to accept a position in the full-time ministry at Crenshaw Christian Center in Los Angeles.

Thompson, 54, came to Inglewood from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, where he served in a number of positions throughout the department. He is credited with initiating a multifaceted community-oriented policing program.

But his tenure has also been mired with controversy. In August, Inglewood police officers overwhelmingly approved a vote of “no confidence” in the chief, 124-10.

Last month, The Times reported that over a five-year period, Thompson’s department had the worst overall record of solving and prosecuting homicides among police departments in Los Angeles County with 25 or more homicides.

Only 16% of the cases ended in charges being filed, compared with about half for the rest of the county.

Mike Haskins, president of the Inglewood officers association, said officers found it difficult to communicate with Thompson.

“I think his departure is the best resolution for both sides,” Haskins said.

Thompson said officers’ sentiments have had no influence over his decision to retire, and said that he is ready to try something new.