New public safety head 'restores stability' to controversy-plagued department, governor said

UPDATE: Former Public Safety Commissioner Brian London offered to resign a couple of weeks ago and Gov. Terry Branstad accepted Tuesday night.

“Brian London comes with a great resume and a lot of experience all over the world, but he doesn't have experience in Iowa,” Branstad told reporters before a speech at the HousingIowa Conference Wednesday in Coraville.

Sen. Larry Noble “restores the stability and predictability” to a department plagued by controversy since London was appointed 10 months ago, Branstad said about London's replacement.

“I am pleased to bring Larry Noble back to serve as Public Safety Commissioner,” Branstad said in a statement put out by his office Wednesday morning. The press release officially confirmed London's departure from an appointment he accepted from the Iowa governor last fall when he replaced Noble.

“Larry has 30 years of experience in the Iowa Department of Public Safety, and served four years in the Iowa Senate, giving him the experience and leadership ability to restore stability and predictability within this very important department of state government,” the governor said in his statement.

In selecting London, 60, to succeed Noble as DPS commissioner last September, Branstad tapped a career law enforcement man who had held posts at the Secret Service, the Central Intelligence Agency and INTERPOL to run the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

Within a month after taking the DPS reins, London announced personnel changes last November that included a change of leadership for the Iowa State Patrol. The organizational restructuring caused some issues within the agency that drew the attention of state lawmakers during London's successful confirmation.

More recently, London's agency has been embroiled in a controversy stemming from the firing of former DCI officer Larry Hedlund in the wake of a speeding incident involving a state trooper transporting Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds in an unmarked state vehicle.

Branstad said he appreciate Noble's willingness to come back and take the DPS helm.

“Larry Noble has a reputation for integrity and humility, which is important as we focus on the department's future. I have chosen Larry because he has a wealth of experience in the Iowa Department of Public Safety, and has demonstrated the ability to lead with integrity,” Branstad added. “Larry Noble has the respect of the people within the department, and he will be a strong leader as we move forward.”