The Dodgers responded to the national fervor stemming from the beating of a Giants fan in the Dodger Stadium parking lot last week by hiring former Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton on Thursday to assess their stadium security measures.



The Dodgers said Bratton will evaluate their policies and procedures related to security and fan services at Dodger Stadium. He is scheduled to work with the organization to develop a security blueprint for the stadium and parking lots.



Said Dodgers owner Frank McCourt in a statement; "Bill Bratton is widely credited with spearheading modern community policing in America. There is no one better to lead a top-to-bottom review of our current practices and make recommendations to be implemented now and into the future."



Bratton is currently the chairman of Kroll Associates, an international risk consultant firm headquartered in New York. Bratton served as the LAPD’s chief for seven years, leaving in October of 2007.



The Dodgers said Bratton and his team would begin consulting immediately.



The Dodgers have received criticism for a slow response to the beating of Bryan Stow after their season opener last Thursday at Dodger Stadium. Stow, a 42-year-old Giants fan and father of two, was beaten by two men in the parking lot after the game. He remains in a medically induced coma. Doctors believe he has suffered brain damage.



Crime in Los Angeles dropped for six consecutive years under Bratton, though he received criticism for extensive travel.



Said Bratton in a statement: "I am pleased to have the opportunity to return to Los Angeles to consult with the Dodger organization on the security posture at Dodger Stadium. We will take a full and comprehensive look at security procedures and processes, and make recommendations based on our findings."



The team said Bratton and Kroll will also help develop internal procedures for the organization.



Said McCourt: "We are committed to ensuring that Dodger Stadium remains a family-friendly environment for all baseball fans."

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-- Steve Dilbeck

Photo: William Bratton removes the stars from his uniform in a symbolic move to signal the end of his tenure as Los Angeles police chief. Credit: Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times