This time, the Queen of England is preparing to honor Los Angeles Police Department chief William Bratton with the title of "commander of the most excellent order of the British empire." Joel Rubin, who covers LAPD for the L.A. Times, observes that "Although it’s a title that may make some Angelenos giggle, it is no laughing matter for Britons."

A step below knighthood, the honor is bestowed on about two Americans each year and is being given to Bratton in recognition of his “work to promote cooperation between the United States and United Kingdom police,” according to promotional material.

Wow, that's getting a lot mileage out of a consulting gig and some news coverage. Last year, you may remember, London went gaga over Bratton and he denied being a candidate to become London's police commissioner. Though he did allow that "I always keep my options open."