Chief Compass Finds New Direction In N.O.

New Orleans Chief of Police Eddie Compass announced his retirement from the job late last night in an announcement.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Police Superintendent Eddie Compass stepped down from his post four weeks after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the city where he grew up and spent 26 years policing, saying he knew in his heart it was time to walk away.

His resignation follows the storm's turbulent aftermath, during which looters ransacked stores, evacuees pleaded for help, rescue workers came under fire and nearly 250 police officers left their posts.

So what's up here? There's no doubt there were many many things the chief did correctly before, during and after the levees broke. As with just about everyone from the bottom to the top in the city, state and fed assistance though, there were things not done correctly. This will lead hopefully to a better reaction next time around.

I just hope I don't see the chief on Leno the week after he clears his locker. Maybe he should wait a month or two before starting the media blitz I'm convinced someone is preparing for him. More power to him. There's talk of plenty of angry feelings towards him from the mayor's office, his upper management and the force for his "Hollywood" style with the press.

Solution: Real cat 5 protection at the levees and a new Chief from somewhere other than N.O.

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