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 |  CNN - 44 minutes ago Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa says the police are "no longer bound by the misdeeds of the past." Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is scheduled to name the city's next police chief Tuesday. Contra Costa Times - NBC Los Angeles - Christian Science Monitor -
Nov-03-2009Los Angeles mayor to name police chief(topic overview)
CONTENTS:
- As one of the mayor's advisors put it, "Bratton is a transforming figure" who has remade the LAPD in the spirit of reforms first suggested by the Christopher Commission and, later, incorporated into the consent degree between the city and the U.S. Department of Justice. (More...)
- Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- Deputy Chief Charlie Beck, a 33-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, has been chosen to replace Chief William Bratton, the Los Angeles mayor's office said Tuesday. (More...)
- When Bratton was chosen in 2002, it seemed important that the police chief come from outside the department to institute needed reforms. (More...)
- Deputy Chief Michael Downing, who oversees the LAPD's counterterrorism unit and was not a candidate for the top job, is serving as interim chief until a permanent replacement is chosen. (More...)
- Beck's five-year term would run to 2014, one year after Villaraigosa will be forced out of office by term limits. (More...)
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- In response to California's recent budget crisis, the California Legislature voted to slash $1 billion in funding for the state prison system and impose measures projected to reduce the prison population by more than 20,000 inmates over two years. (More...)
- Mr. Beck is head of detectives, and recently accompanied Bratton to Australia help select the LAPD's latest patrol car. (More...)
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As one of the mayor's advisors put it, "Bratton is a transforming figure" who has remade the LAPD in the spirit of reforms first suggested by the Christopher Commission and, later, incorporated into the consent degree between the city and the U.S. Department of Justice. According to this advisor -- who asked not to be named -- it's the next chief who will "have to make the reforms part of the department's DNA." Like others involved in the process to whom I spoke this week, this person stressed that the next chief will have a much rougher time than Bratton -- not only because of the departing chief's outsized personal and professional shadow, but because he must solidify and extend the reforms in the face of historic budgetary challenges. This week, the civilian Police Commission sent Villaraigosa the names of three finalists from among the applicants for the job. All -- Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell, Deputy Chief Charlie Beck and Deputy Chief Michel Moore -- are insiders, something that is said to disappoint the mayor, who would have liked to have seen at least one name from outside, because he thinks of Los Angeles as a place that attracts the nation's best. [1] Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Charlie Beck, Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell and Deputy Chief Michel Moore returned Sunday to Getty House, the mayor's official residence, to meet one-on-one with Villaraigosa for about an hour each. The candidates each met with Villaraigosa for several hours last week, and the mayor's request to see them again appeared to indicate that the choice was not an easy one. Villaraigosa has said that picking the person to succeed William J. Bratton, who departed Saturday after seven years as chief, will be one of the most serious decisions he makes in office.[2] The three final candidates for the job of Los Angeles Police Chief, Deputy Chief Michel Moore, Deputy Chief Charlie Beck and Assistant Police Chief Jim McDonnell listen as Chief William Bratton holds his last press conference outside the new Police Administration Building on October 28, 2009.[3]
The three finalists are Los Angeles Deputy Chief Charlie Beck, a 32-year-veteran who is considered front runner by most LAPD insiders, Assistant Police Chief Jim McDonnell, a 28-year veteran currently second in command to Bratton, and Deputy Chief Michel Moore, also a 28-year veteran.[4] The next chief, replacing William J. Bratton who officially left the office Saturday, will be one of three LAPD veterans tapped by the Police Commission as finalists: Deputy Chief Charlie Beck, Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell and Deputy Chief Michel Moore. The mayor has said he will push for City Council confirmation of his appointee Nov. 10, after a round of meeting with City Council members and community groups.[5] Bratton left office Saturday and Beck's appointment must still be ratified by the City Council in a vote expected in the coming weeks, although no serious opposition is anticipated. Beck faces the difficult task of sustaining his successor's hard-won gains. Villaraigosa in recent days described the appointment as perhaps the most important decision he will make as mayor, and it appeared to be a difficult one for him. He met for several hours last week with Beck and the other two finalists for the job, Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell and Deputy Chief Michel Moore, and then summoned the three again Sunday afternoon.[6]
The finalists include former Chief Bratton'''s second-in-command, Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell; Deputy Chief Charlie Beck, who oversees detectives; and Deputy Chief Michel Moore, who heads the LAPD'''s San Fernando Valley operations.[7] All three of the men - Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell, Deputy Chief Michel Moore and Deputy Chief Charlie Beck - are intelligent, competent LAPD vets whose careers and policing styles were nurtured by Bratton.[8]
Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- Deputy Chief Charlie Beck, a 33-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, has been chosen to replace Chief William Bratton, the Los Angeles mayor's office said Tuesday. Beck, who is chief of detectives, is seen as a "progressive reformer" who has spent much of his career working against gang violence, according to the announcement from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. [9] Los Angeles - The biggest challenges facing the next police chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), to be announced Tuesday, will be to find his own voice ''' and to finish the reforms started by outgoing chief William Bratton, say community activists, city officials, and police watchdog groups. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will announce his choice from among three finalists, ending a three-month national search that saw the Police Commission interviewing 13 candidates including 11 from the LAPD command staff. Mr. Bratton had urged the mayor and the Police Commission to name his successor from within the department. "The fact that all of these are white males and that there has been no uproar from the black community or outcries from the Hispanic community speaks volumes as to their high quality," says Najee Ali, a well-known activist with a history of running afoul of the department. Mr. Ali says he and other community leaders will be comfortable with whoever replaces Bratton as long as that person continues implementing his reforms, including the use of CompStat computers ''' which helped LAPD target problem areas ''' and the push toward community policing, and ending racial profiling and police abuse.[4] "You want a strong leader, but I'm not looking for bravado. I think you can be a quietly strong leader," Villaraigosa said, discussing the qualities he was looking for during an interview last week. "I think it's important that the chief is someone who has an ability to project calm during crisis. That's essential for a department of this size in a city exposed to so many major incidents." The mayor has wrestled with the decision for a week, since the Los Angeles Police Commission forwarded the names of the three finalists, each of them respected veteran LAPD commanders whom Bratton tutored and promoted to the department's high ranks. "The mayor gave this a very detailed, thorough and complete analysis," Councilman Dennis Zine said Sunday afternoon. "It's not an easy decision. All these men are very qualified."[6]
The earliest that could happen is Nov. 10. "The mayor has a tough decision ahead because he has three great candidates," Bratton said. "I've worked with all of them for the last seven years -- all of them are intimately involved in the reformation of the LAPD and our movement forward. They're very intimate with what has occurred. They were instrumental in how they occurred." Bratton said he won't be wasting any time as he will board a plane to New York City on Sunday morning, and begin his new job on Monday. Bratton handed over his stars and his office keys during the weekend in a ceremony symbolizing the end of his seven years at the Los Angeles Police Department. The 1:30 p.m. ritual was billed by the LAPD as Bratton's "final act as a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department before assuming his new role as a civilian in the private sector." Bratton gave his Chief's Stars and his keys to recently named Interim Chief Michael Downing. On Aug. 5, Bratton announced his resignation and surprised many, including the mayor. Bratton was only two years into his second term as Los Angeles ' police chief.[10] While each brings something different to the bargaining table, all three candidates can be expected to continue transforming the Los Angeles Police Department which Bratton began seven years ago. It will be no easy job for the man who is chosen. Besides the inevitable comparisons to Bratton, whose reputation was approaching near mythological status toward the end of his tenure, this is a highly political job in an intensely political municipal government. This transition comes at a delicate time for the LAPD, as the City Council is trying to reverse the hiring boom that was begun under Bratton.[8]
Downing, head of the LAPD's Counter-Terrorism and Criminal Intelligence Bureau, will serve as chief until the city council confirms a new leader in two to three weeks' time. Once the new chief is confirmed, Downing will return to his counter- terrorism position. "My role is to shepherd the department, to keep the rhythm" established by Bratton during his seven years on the job, and "provide a smooth and seamless transition" for the LAPD until the new permanent chief is formally installed. Downing referred to Bratton as "the great American police chief," saying Bratton encouraged his officers to develop innovations, to travel and observe other policing techniques, and to bring back "best practices" to be utilized by the LAPD. Crediting Bratton with "changing the culture of the organization," Downing said the former chief, "moved this ship closer to its destination in American policing," writing a "whole new chapter" for the LAPD. Bratton was fond of saying "cops count - police matter," according to Downing, who said this broad overview helped change the culture of the department and move it forward on a positive course. Bratton, 62, is going to work for the global security firm Altegrity, where he will be in charge of a unit training foreign police forces under contracts from the State Department.[11]
McDonnell, 50, had been Bratton's chief of staff -- second in command. He was passed over for chief when Bratton was hired, but Bratton stuck pretty close to McDonnell's plan for reforms and getting the department out from under the federal consent decree brought on by the Rampart scandal. He has 28 years with the department and, as a New Hampshire native, sounds a little like Bratton. Moore -- whose first name is pronounced Michael, but with a Spanish spelling from his Basque father -- is 49 and has overseen the San Fernando Valley for the LAPD for the past seven years. He has 28 years with the police force and been credited with driving down crime throughout his patrol areas. Villaraigosa wants the City Council to confirm his choice by Nov. 10, the earliest date the council can do so.[12] McDonnell, 50, is Bratton's chief of staff; Beck, 56, is the LAPD's chief of detectives; Moore, 49, is the Valley's commanding officer. The mayor, who called all three "outstanding candidates," met with each of them at Getty House this week in conversations that included his newly appointed chief of staff, Jeff Carr, and former federal prosecutor Eileen Decker, the deputy mayor for homeland security and public safety. In an interview Friday, Villaraigosa said that the first thing he did when he found out Bratton was leaving was to call former Secretary of State Warren Christopher to request his advice. "He not only led the Christopher Commission, but he also knows more about the history of the department and about the fight for reform than anyone else in the city," the mayor said. "He also helped Bill Clinton vet his vice presidential candidates and came up with Al Gore. I wanted somebody who could bring that level of experience and seriousness to this process." With Christopher acting as a kind of chairman, Villaraigosa pulled together a group of high-powered activist civic leaders, who he said have "used their experience and historical perspective to help me create the framework for my own deliberations."[1]
Beck is a former South L.A. CRASH anti-gang cop who now recognizes the need to change the department'''s culture. '''I think now is the time for a leader that can take those changes that were made with the command staff, the top 100 people in the department, and spread those changes, inculcate them into the rank and file, and I think I'''m uniquely suited for that.''' Beck, 56, said he combines a commitment to reform with loyalty from cops on the street. "So I think the most important thing you can do is ensure in peoples''' mind that those of us that are candidates are committed to continuing constitutional, effective policing in the style of Bill Bratton.''' After the mayor picks one of these finalists, that choice is subject to ratification by the Los Angeles City Council.[3] Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has selected Charlie Beck, a 32-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department with strong support from rank-and-file officers and civil rights advocates alike, to serve as the next chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, The Times has learned. The choice, which the mayor is expected to announce at a press conference Wednesday morning, comes at a time of uncertainty for the department with its budget battered by the city's fiscal crisis and morale of rank-and-file officers wavering in the face of a new contract that offers no pay raise.[6] Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Tuesday will announce his selection of the city's new police chief, who will succeed William Bratton.[13] Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa plans to name a permanent replacement for former police chief William Bratton on Tuesday.[14] MONDAY morning, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa plans to name one of three men to head the Los Angeles Police Department, replacing William Bratton, whose last official day was Saturday.[8]
Beck, 56, has risen quickly through the department'''s command ranks in recent years and was viewed widely as the favorite to be selected by the mayor. From his success in rehabilitating the LAPD'''s Rampart Division, which had been at the center of a corruption scandal, and later as head of the LAPD'''s forces in South Los Angeles, he has earned praise from police and civic leaders alike for blending a tough stance on crime with a progressive approach to improving the the LAPD'''s relationship with the public. Villaraigosa chose Beck nearly three months after Bratton announced he would step down at the end of October. During his seven years as chief, Bratton oversaw dramatic declines in crime and improved long-strained relations between police and minority communities.[15] LAPD's counterterrorism unit head Interim Chief Michael Downing temporarily will serve as the Los Angeles Police Department Chief until one of the three finalists for Police Chief is decided by Mayor Villaraigosa and approve by the City Council.[16] What an odd view of things in view of the Los Angeles Police Department's history. It has never been the case that the chief of the Los Angeles Police Department has been a lackey of the City Council or the Police Commission, nor that civilians have intruded in LAPD affairs.[1]
During his 'End of Watch' ceremony, LAPD Police Chief shakes hands with command staff. On Saturday October 31st alongside the ghosts and goblins who were floating on the streets as Halloween night crept upon us, Los Angeles Police Department Chief William Bratton officially ended his reign as Police Chief. A few days before on Wednesday Bratton returned his Chief Stars and office keys in a ritual ceremony known as the 'End of Watch' ceremony, which commemorated Bratton's sever year's service.[16] DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES -- A few days after stepping down as chief, William Bratton returned to the Los Angeles Police Department's new headquarters on Saturday to take care of one last task before waving goodbye. In a small, informal ceremony, Bratton passed the keys to his briefly-used 10th floor office over to Interim Chief Michael P. Downing. Bratton, credited with bringing major advances to the department over his seven-year tenure, announced in August that he was leaving for the private sector. His departure came the same week the department dedicated its new home, the 500,000-square-foot Police Administration Building. Bratton signed his final papers and left the new building, passing rows of officers who lined up to salute him. He flew to Boston at the end of the week before returning to Los Angeles briefly. Saturday, Bratton inaugurated what he hopes will become a new LAPD tradition, signing the desk inside the Chief's Office and expressing his hope that future officeholders would do the same.[17]
' Congressman Adam Schiff introduced a Resolution last week in the House of Representatives honoring William Bratton for his career in public service as Chief of Police of the cities of Boston, New York, and Los Angeles. On August 5th, Chief Bratton announced he would step down as Los Angeles Police Chief at the end of October.[18]
Deputy Chief Charles Beck, center, has been named to replace William Bratton as Los Angeles police chief.[9] Outgoing Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton greets command staff at an 'End Of Watch' ceremony, at police headquarters in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday.[4]
The Mayor, City Council and members of the Los Angeles government, as well as citizens within the city will always cherish the accomplishments of former Police Chief William Bratton.[16] Rocky Delgadillo ended in July, and now, with the departure of Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton, so does the second and final term of Mayor James K. Hahn.[19] Since taking over as Los Angeles Police Chief in 2002, violent crime in Los Angeles has decreased by 30 percent and homicides have decreased 42 percent, exceeding national rates of declines. "Chief Bratton has been a leader in law enforcement for decades, and as Chief of Police in Los Angeles, he has been enormously successful in making our city safer," said Schiff. "The people of Los Angeles, and the nation owe Chief Bratton a debt of gratitude for his years of service and his contributions to public safety."[18] As Chief of Police in New York, Chief Bratton instituted the CompStat system, which uses real-time crime data to target criminals and promote accountability. In Los Angeles, he worked successfully to improve relationships with communities across the city and to build partnerships between cops and neighborhoods. Throughout his nearly 40 years in law enforcement, Chief Bratton has pushed for innovative new strategies to prevent crime and keep streets safe.[18]
Bratton is notoriously known for improving public safety in Los Angeles. During his seven years of serving as LAPD Police Chief Bratton has successfully lowered crime rates to an all time historic low.[16] Hope you all enjoyed your extra hour of sleep. After seeing major improvements in public relations and crime statistics under his watch, LAPD Chief Bill Bratton handed over his keys and stars in a ceremony for his "last act as a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department[20] LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- Former Los Angeles Police chief Bill Bratton walked briskly away from the brand-new Police Administrative Building today, having formally passed the silver stars from his uniform to interim chief Michael P. Downing. Bratton had nothing to say to reporters in the chief's 10th floor offices as he handed over his office key, marking the end of his tenure at the top of the Los Angeles Police Department.[11]
LOS ANGELES — Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is expected to announce his choice for the next leader of the Los Angeles Police Department. Calling it possibly the most important decision he'll make as mayor, Villaraigosa is set to name his pick from a field of three finalists at 11 a.m. Tuesday.[21] Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will announce his choice for Los Angeles' next police chief on Monday, ending almost three months of behind-the-scenes jockeying among LAPD insiders for the job.[5] Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will announce his selection of the city's next police chief Tuesday, the mayor's staff said Sunday evening.[2] Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is expected to name a new police chief Tuesday.[7]
Villaraigosa had sought the advice of numerous elected officials and others. He met with Council President Eric Garcetti, along with other council members, and spent Sunday morning chatting with church leaders around the city. He is keenly aware that after inheriting Bratton, the new chief's success or failure could weigh heavily on his effectiveness governing Los Angeles, just as it did for Los Angeles' three previous mayors.[6] In some ways, Villaraigosa's first term reached back even further. Many of the people he hired to his top staff had also served Mayor Richard Riordan. Both Villaraigosa and Hahn echoed Riordan's pledge to make Los Angeles "the safest big city in America." It is Villaraigosa who has come closest to achieving the goal. His real achievements in reducing crime and remaking the relationship between the LAPD and the community it serves are largely the result of Hahn's decision to pick Bratton. There was the usual coming and going of top staff and general managers during Villaraigosa's first term, but this summer, after the second inauguration, many of the bigger players held over from Hahn's tenure -- and Riordan's -- submitted their resignations.[19] Environmental responsibility, labor peace, progressive politics, forward-looking transit, affordable housing -- all were hallmarks of the Hahn era. As for Hahn's most lasting legacy -- his selection of Bratton -- the chief remained the dominant force in Los Angeles civic life during Villaraigosa's first term. The craftiest politician, the best communicator, the defining presence was not the mayor who landed on the cover of Newsweek and, later, in the nationwide gossip columns, but the chief handed down to him by his predecessor.[19]
Hahn was a mayor in the Los Angeles tradition, steady and calming rather than dynamic. It was almost unsettling when he picked the Boston-accented, New York-attuned Bratton to be police chief.[19]
The new Chief will face some immediate and persistent challenges as head of the legendary police force. It is hoped--and expected--that the new Chief will "carry on William Bratton's legacy of reform," according to the Daily News, referring to laborious strides made by the LAPD since Bratton took the reins 7 years ago for the department to address the crime rate, gang violence, and its reputation as corrupt and bullying. Although the Mayor had initially planned to name Bratton's successor today, he has opted to wait until to tomorrow as he takes additional time to weigh his choices.[22] The progress the LAPD made under Police Chief William J. Bratton in the last seven years can be measured as much in the sweeping drop in crime as in the little interactions that reflect an easing of tensions. Residents across the city say they hope the trend outlasts the personality as the mayor selects a new chief to replace Bratton, who officially stepped down Saturday.[23]
President Harry S. Truman was the first to sign the desk now found in the Vice President's office inside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The desk has been signed by its users -- both Presidents and Vice Presidents -- ever since. Downing, head of LAPD's Counter-Terrorism and Criminal Intelligence Bureau, will now serve as Chief of Police until City Council and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa sign off on a new chief this month. Villaraigosa has said that he wants to see that take place on November 10.[17] "There should be more police here." Bratton clashed early with the City Council over his desire to increase the department by more than 3,000 officers, for a total force of 12,500. He found an ally in Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and has slowly upped hiring, but he has been constrained by the budget. There are now 10,005 officers, 828 more than he started with.[23]
McDonnell, 50, has been Bratton's chief of staff -- second in command. He was passed over for chief when Bratton was hired, but Bratton stuck pretty close to McDonnell's plan for implemented reforms and getting the department out from under the federal consent decree brought on by the Rampart scandal. He has 28 years with the department. Villaraigosa may announce his choice as soon as tomorrow. Villairaigosa says he wants the LA City Council to confirm his choice by Nov. 10. That is the earliest date the city council can do so.[24] Villaraigosa's pick is subject to confirmation by the City Council. Bratton, who is credited with playing a pivotal role in the LAPD's turnaround, unexpectedly left the department three years before the expiration of his second, five-year term.[21]
The departures will hurt -- particularly that of Bratton. The mayor no longer will be able to prop up his resume on the basis of the achievements of talent selected by his predecessor. With Bratton and the others gone, Villaraigosa will have to show, on his own, whether he has the goods to lead Los Angeles. Over the last four years, he often seemed more manic than driven, more fumbling than creative. His City Hall at its best looked, in many ways, like -- well, like Hahn's.[19] The man who hired him, Mayor James Hahn, was talking about making "Los Angeles the safest big city" long before the Boston-brogued Bratton came to Los Angeles. Bratton's gift, however, was nurturing those seeds of change, growing them healthy and strong - and fighting off those who would uproot them.[8]
Your comment that "All. are insiders, something that is said to disappoint the mayor, who would have liked to have seen at least one name from outside, because he thinks of Los Angeles as a place that attracts the nation's best" omits an "out" that's still available to the mayor: According to the City Charter section 575, if he's not satisfied with the choices "At the request of the Mayor, the Board of Police Commissioners shall provide the Mayor with an additional list of three candidates, in ranked order, from the group of candidates previously provided by the general manager of the Personnel Department."[1] Villaraigosa said Bratton has left behind a department "no longer bound by the misdeeds of the past." "Because of him, Los Angeles is the safest it's been in more than half a century," Villaraigosa said. "He's leaving Los Angeles a stronger city, a more united city, a safer city."[9]
In a recent article, " LAPD Chief Candidates Are Far From Three of a Kind " the Los Angeles Times documented the vast differences in the leadership styles of the three candidates. "One of the strengths that they all share is that they are their own person," outgoing Chief William Bratton told the Times reporter. "They have their own ideas."[10] Mr. McDonnell became acting chief during Bratton's many trips away from Los Angeles, and is considered a self-effacing professional who detailed and implemented Bratton's reforms even after being passed up for the top job when Bratton was chosen in 2002.[4]
Bill Bratton'''s last day on the job was Saturday. If you were to imagine a friendly neighborhood police officer, LAPD Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell with his big smile might be it. He says he always wanted to be a cop. Comment Read opnbrkt0clsbrkt Mail this page[3] The cash-strapped city wasn'''t hiring. After he finished college, McDonnell moved west. McDonnell said he had $400 in his pocket, two suitcases, no car, and a Frommer's Guide to L.A. Eventually McDonnell embraced the city, and the LAPD. He rose through various jobs, often taking on the administrative positions that would lead to the top ranks of the department. If selected as its chief, he says he'''d continue Bratton'''s commitment to community policing and to giving commanders more freedom.[3] Continuing that protection is going to be job No. 1 for Beck, Moore or McDonnell. Bratton's genius was also to appear as the community's champion in a department that Angelenos felt cared little for their civil rights. When officers clashed with protesters under his watch, he cleaned house immediately, recognizing that it was time to end the long-standing practices of protecting bad behavior in the rank and file. Though his trash-talking got him into pointless political battles, Bratton's breezy honesty was refreshing to a city used to empty speeches and politically correct interactions by the city's elected officials.[8] Background: The son of an LAPD deputy chief, Beck was promoted from captain to deputy chief during Bratton's tenure. He is a popular figure with rank-and-file officers; two of Beck's three children are LAPD officers. Bratton often turned to Beck to handle controversial problems, such as the massive DNA testing backlog and errors in fingerprint analysis. On the job: Throughout his career, Beck has spent most of his time in the field.[25] Deputy Chief Charlie Beck is the third finalist to succeed Bratton. Like the others candidates, he is an LAPD veteran. Unlike them, he didn't necessarily intend to be a cop.[3] "Ya know when something happens, to get on it quick, not to wait for the story to happen to you, to be open and forthright with what happened and what you'''re going to do to make it better and ensure that it doesn'''t happen again.''' Another finalist for chief is Deputy Chief Michel Moore, who runs the LAPD'''s operations in the San Fernando Valley. "I came on this department some 28 years ago to engage in a profession of service, a life of meaning," said Moore. Moore'''s seen as a hard-driving cop. Last year, he rushed into a burning mobile home park to save a woman. Earlier in his career, he won a Medal of Valor when he shot dead a man who had killed his girlfriend. He was moonlighting as a security guard at a shopping mall at the time. '''He began running toward the shopping center and I was fortunate enough to be able to stop his actions," said Moore. He added, with a policeman's chuckle, that the man was well-armed. "I had a two-inch handgun, he had a rifle. It was a big gun, I can tell you that.'''[3]
Moore is the son of a Spanish-born Basque father and is the only Latino in the running. Each joined the LAPD a quarter century ago, when Daryl Gates was its chief. Gates resisted civilian oversight and many people considered him insensitive to racial minorities. While careful to avoid too much direct criticism of Gates, who remains popular with many cops, each finalist has said they embrace Bratton'''s more community-friendly style of policing and deference to the police commission.[7]
The selection will culminate a national hunt that ultimately ended with the police commission interviewing 13 candidates, including 11 from the LAPD command staff. Bratton, 62, had urged the mayor and the police commission to name his successor from within the department.[5] The mayor also has spent nights reading the Christopher Commission report, the consent decree and the "after-action" report on the Rampart scandal. Today, Villaraigosa will hear additional advice from Christopher, Rice and Kwoh at Getty House. (He conferred by telephone with Baird and Olson earlier in the week.) The mayor said he'll then call all three candidates back for further interviews. By the time he's ready to make his decision, Villaraigosa said, he will have consulted with more than 100 people. For his part, Bratton has said he won't formally endorse a candidate -- funny, he had views on every other civic office -- but several of those involved in the process say their conversations with the chief have left the clear impression he leans toward Beck, who also is supported by community and civil rights groups.[1] The choice comes at a time of uncertainty for the department as Beck will be given the task of sustaining Police Chief William J. Bratton'''s hard-won gains amid dwindling city budgets.[15] Several sources close to the selection process confirmed the decision. Villaraigosa chose Beck nearly three months after Police Chief William J. Bratton abruptly announced his plan to step down after seven years in which he oversaw dramatic declines in crime and had improved long-strained relations between the police and minority communities.[6]
If you were searching for a mechanical metaphor to characterize the process, the words Rube Goldberg probably would come to mind. Given the LAPD's centrality to the city's history -- and the outsized influence of its chiefs -- there's something to be said for a process that opens itself to as much scrutiny and as many voices as practical in a city nearly as diverse as the U.N. General Assembly. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has said that selecting William Bratton's successor is the most important decision he will make as the city's chief executive. He's right.[1] Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa summons the three finalists for a second round of interviews Sunday and decides to take an additional day to ponder who William J. Bratton's replacement should be.[2]
LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa this afternoon is giving second interviews to the three finalists for the job as LA's police chief.[24]
Jorja Leap, adjunct assistant professor of social welfare at the UCLA School of Public Affairs, is an expert on gangs, youth violence and juvenile justice who has served as an adviser to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on gangs.[13] Franklin D. Gilliam Jr., dean of the UCLA School of Public Affairs and a professor of political science and public policy, is an authority on race and urban politics in Los Angeles and the U.S. and on policy issues in minority communities. As founding director of UCLA's Center for Communications and Community, he supervises research on the influence of television news coverage and campaign advertising on the public's understanding of race, crime and politics.[13]
Beck has the unenviable task of following a chief who earned a reputation as one of the country's leading law enforcement minds, implementing a crime-fighting strategy built around an obsessive focus on crime data that pinpointed areas of Los Angeles in need of additional police officers.[6] Under the terms of a new contract with the city's police union, officers also will forgo cost-of-living increases for two years and instead of being paid overtime, many will be forced to take extra days off -- meaning fewer police patrolling the streets. This comes as Los Angeles may see an increase in the number of convicted felons on local streets.[6] Compared with selecting a new Los Angeles police chief, electing the U.N.' s secretary-general -- or, for that matter, a pope -- is a streamlined exercise in political minimalism.[1] "But there is a right time." Bratton came to Los Angeles after stints as the top police official in New York and in his native Boston, Massachusetts.[9] If you cannot wait to hear, the Los Angeles Times has the scoop : Beck will lead the department, the paper says in a breaking news alert.[26] All three candidates are long time LAPD veterans. They each started as cops on the beat on the streets of Los Angeles and rose to the highest ranks of the department.[24] Just what Los Angeles needs. Another old white guy thats been a cop for 40 years to lead the department in a city thats mostly latino and black. This guy will probably keep the status quo which is to keep feeding people into the California Penal System. His job is to simply keep his fellow cops employed.[26]
Hilda Samayoa did something a few weeks ago that would have been highly unusual in her South Los Angeles neighborhood not too long ago: She called police to report that a gang had set up shop in a nearby house. She did so, in part, because of growing confidence among residents that the Los Angeles Police Department will help them out. Given that distrust between the community and police has historically run deep -- and lingers today -- police are still surprised when they get a call like hers.[23]
Beck should not expect the same latitude. "There's only one Bill Bratton and he certainly has his good points, but there were some things that I felt were counterproductive," Councilwoman Janice Hahn, who represents San Pedro and a portion of South Los Angeles, said earlier.[6] Villaraigosa was a breath of fresh air: a Latino mayor for an increasingly Latino city, an electric personality, a figure who could recapture for Los Angeles the national spotlight and finally fulfill the city's destiny as the international metropolis of the future.[19] Los Angeles has far fewer cops than New York but is still getting the same types of crime reduction numbers." Crimes in Mar Vista and most other parts of the Westside tend to be those against property, such as burglaries and vandalism, rather than shootings or rapes.[23] KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO is Southern California's most trusted and honored news radio station serving Los Angeles County / Orange County / Ventura County / Riverside County / San Bernardino County / San Diego County. 50,000 watt clear signal.[11] The American Chronicle, California Chronicle, Los Angeles Chronicle, World Sentinel, and affiliates are online magazines for national, international, state, and local news.[18]
When Bratton was chosen in 2002, it seemed important that the police chief come from outside the department to institute needed reforms. Now it is considered better for the new chief to come from within the force to continue those reforms. "Regardless of the person selected to serve as a chief of police, the person must understand the law enforcement culture and find workable solutions so as to transform the culture at the same time," says Rande Matteson, professor of criminal justice at Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Fla. Either way, the new chief will have his work cut out for him because of the position's high profile and politics, he says. [4] "The biggest challenge for Bratton's successor will be to fill the shoes of what many consider to be the greatest and most popular chief in LAPD history who single-handedly brought new reforms to a troubled, beleaguered department," says Ali.[4] Per former Chief William Bratton's recommendation, the new LAPD leader is from within the department.[26] Former LAPD Police Chief William Bratton waves before driving away from the Police Adminstration Building on Saturday afternoon.[17] The candidates to replace William Bratton as LAPD chief are all strong contenders.[1]
The announcement comes days after William Bratton, who headed the LAPD for seven years, stepped down to take a private sector job.[21] Bratton took a job as chief executive officer at the Virginia-based private security firm after seven years as the city's top cop.[14]
Each met one-on-one with Villaraigosa for about an hour apiece at the mayor's official residence Sunday. Bratton finished his final day on the job Saturday and handed over the keys to his office to interim chief Michael P. Downing.[14] Wouldn't the chief's outsized personality dwarf the mayor? Hahn didn't seem to mind. When Villaraigosa inherited Bratton, he had the political smarts not to try to outshine him, as difficult as it may often have been given Villaraigosa's obvious relish for the spotlight.[19] Mayor Villaraigosa summoned the three finalists for chief of the LAPD to Getty House for a second round of conversations and photo ops, then put out the word that he will announce his choice on Tuesday. That's a day later than first planned. On Sunday morning, the Times ran an opinion piece in which editorial writer Robert Greene said that the mayor's tenure so far has not gone much differently than one could have expected from Jim Hahn, and correctly observes that the first day of the rest of Villaraigosa's political life begins with his appointment of a chief.[27] The three candidates all come from within the LAPD, a consideration that the departed Bratton and many Angelenos felt was essential to the future success of the department. Sunday's meetings were the second of the week between the three and the Mayor; Villaraigosa's "request to see them again appeared to indicate that the choice was not an easy one," notes the LA Times.[22]
Villaraigosa also knew not to mess with Bratton's successes -- declining crime rates, a more professional department, vastly improved community relations. Although Villaraigosa had previously helped derail his predecessor's bid to expand the Police Department to 10,000 officers, once he became mayor, he made the target his own and stuck to it tenaciously -- and wisely.[19] Because of that success, the mayor and City Council leaders mostly tolerated Bratton's brash style and churlish politics -- last spring, Bratton threatened to remove officers from the Westside when that area's councilman voted to halt police hiring because of the city budget crisis.[6] The city needs a chief fully committed to building on the reforms achieved so far. A strong chief should be the City Council's and Police Commission's collaborator and not their lackey.[1]
Beck, 56, heads the Detective Bureau and has been with the department for 32 years. His father was a deputy chief and his daughter works out of the Hollywood Station. His son is about to graduate from the Police Academy.[12] Beck, 56, has risen quickly through the department's command ranks in recent years and was widely viewed as the favorite to be tapped as the mayor's nominee. From his success rehabilitating the LAPD's Rampart Division, which had been at the center of a corruption scandal, and later as head of the department's forces in South L.A., Beck has managed to earn praise from both cops and onetime critics of the LAPD for blending a tough stance on crime with a progressive approach to bettering the LAPD's relationship with city residents.[6] Mr. Moore is a Medal of Valor recipient considered by City Councilman Dennis Zine ''' who has police experience ''' to be the best, hands-on talent in the department. Moore also is credited with lowering crime every year for the seven years he was head of the massive San Fernando Valley section, including a 28 percent drop in violent crime.[4]
With the department budget being battered by the city'''s fiscal crisis and morale of rank-and-file officers wavering in the face of a new contract that offers no pay raises, Beck faces a serious challenge of maintaining the progress of the last several years.[15] While not denying an ambition to seek out new and bigger assignments over the years, Beck tended to shun many of the administrative positions that officers typically take to earn promotions. Soon after Bratton took over the department in 2002, however, he selected Beck to be the captain in charge of the Rampart Division, which had badly tarnished the department with revelations of corruption and abuses. Beck was hailed by a panel that examined Rampart for his ability to develop -- and get his officers to adopt -- a more inclusive, progressive approach that emphasized a partnership with the residents.[25]
In light of Bratton leaving and the lifting of the Federal Consent Decree, we can all look forward to returning to the dark ages under our new Chief, Charlie Beck.[15] Bratton wasn't the perfect chief or the perfect man. He meddled in politics more than was seemly for a department head. He mouthed off unwisely at times. He tried to dictate what was news to journalists.[8]
Jim McDonnell has been 1st assistant chief under former Chief William J. Bratton.[24] The closely-watched choice will likely replace former chief William Bratton.[7] The three finalists for the post ''' all from within the LAPD ''' have big shoes to fill with the departure of William Bratton, who is credited with turning the force around.[4]
Deputy Chief Michael Downing, who oversees the LAPD's counterterrorism unit and was not a candidate for the top job, is serving as interim chief until a permanent replacement is chosen. [12] Like the other candidates, Moore, 49, talks of continuing Bratton'''s emphasis on community policing. '''Our people have the right values and I think they go about their job in an outstanding manner," said Moore.[3] Bratton, who took over the department in 2002 when it was under federal oversight and reeling from a major corruption investigation, resigned to take a job training police in developing nations. His resignation was effective Saturday.[9] Bratton's tenure was not entirely without controversy. Police came under harsh criticism for their chaotic breakup of a May 2007 immigration reform rally when officers attacked demonstrators and journalists. An investigation blamed a "command and control breakdown" on the part of senior officers, resulting in the demotion of a division commander and the reassignment of his second in command.[9]
Bratton also benefited from Villaraigosa's relentless push to add hundreds of officers to the department, an effort the council indirectly supported by tripling trash fees.[6] Villaraigosa said the chief "went over the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate with me." Council President Eric Garcetti told me this week he expects "that any of the three candidates will be confirmed by the council." Once Villaraigosa announces his choice, the council's Public Safety Committee will hold public hearings.[1] After summoning the three finalists for a second round of interviews Sunday, Villaraigosa decided to take an additional day to mull over the weighty choice. The mayor had tentatively planned to name his choice for chief Monday.[2] "Choosing the next chief of police is the single most important decision I will make for the remainder of my term as mayor," Villaraigosa said in a news release last week.[9] Villaraigosa's first term largely failed to deliver real change. The mayor's plan to improve schools sputtered; his housing initiatives ran aground in court; his (remarkable) achievement in securing funding for a "subway to the sea" has yet to result in new track; his anti-gang program never demonstrated much success. His achievements came primarily in the areas where he followed in Hahn's footsteps.[19] On the environment too, Villaraigosa's first term was in many ways simply a continuation of Hahn's. Before the current mayor began calling for 20% of city power to be produced from renewable sources by 2010, his predecessor had set a goal of 17% by 2017.[19]
Hahn? Wait a minute, you say. He had no second term. He's been gone from City Hall for four years, soundly defeated by Antonio Villaraigosa in their second mayoral showdown. Voters thought they were making a clean break when they rejected Hahn in 2005.[19] Hahn oversaw a deal to get container vessels to begin plugging in to electric power at the port rather than running on polluting fuels during loading and unloading. It was also Hahn who made affordable housing a city priority, and brought in attorney and nonprofit-housing expert Mercedes Marquez to run the Housing Department, where she stayed -- and provided Villaraigosa some of his best housing successes -- until earlier this year, when President Obama tapped her for a key post in the Department of Housing and Urban Development.[19]
Beck's five-year term would run to 2014, one year after Villaraigosa will be forced out of office by term limits. [6] The mayor's office announced the plan Sunday as Villaraigosa spent the day conducting a second round of interviews with his three finalists for the job.[14] One of the many questions Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's school plan leaves unanswered is whether all students will be allowed to attend their neighborhood schools.[27]
{"comments":,"media":{"isPublicTaggingAllowed":false,"uploadToAkamai":"","categories":"","pathToMedia":"390259_68843097","adminTags":"cid_68843097,ct_article,sid_390259,sid_390959,sid_390979,sid_523182,sid_523222,sid_523232","uploadedByPhoto":"116995/icons/defaultMember_116995_portrait.jpg?t=1248875781749","views":21,"uploadedByName":"nbc_editor","isAdultContent":false,"updatedAt":"3 Nov 2009 17:03:37 GMT","country":"","pathToPreview48X48":"user/defaultAudio_48x48_A.jpg","inappropriateFlagCount":0,"isRatedByMe":"F","tags":"bored,furious,intrigued,sad,thrilled","originalFileFormat":"","isFavorite":"F","userId":7918858,"name":"Who's It Going to Be?","description":"The mayor will announce his pick for chief of police at 11 a.m." [10] White, black, hispanic, or female - It does not make a difference. These low life scum bags that are ruining society are not caused by a white police chief - they are the fault of their parents. It is easier to put blame on others but why don't we stop being f$ck heads and take resposibility. I live right up the street from where the girl was killed at the LB football game this weekend.[26]
In response to California's recent budget crisis, the California Legislature voted to slash $1 billion in funding for the state prison system and impose measures projected to reduce the prison population by more than 20,000 inmates over two years. Included in those cuts is a loss of $250 million for inmate rehabilitation services, including substance abuse programs, which experts said increases the likelihood that offenders will commit more crimes. Councilman Tony Cardenas, who represents a portion of the northeast San Fernando Valley, said the new chief can overcome those potential setbacks by embracing alternative programs for combating crime, including prevention intervention programs for street gangs and prisoner reentry. [6] With the city facing a severe budget shortfall and general economic woes threatening to push crime higher, Bratton's successor will have the challenging task of continuing to make gains on crime rates -- or at least minimizing losses -- while keeping up morale among the rank and file. Times staff writer Phil Willon contributed to this report.[2] In addition to Marquez, losses included Chief of Staff Robin Kramer, who had the same job in the Riordan administration.[19]
'''As a kid I was always kinda fascinated about the job of a police officer," said McDonnell.[3] I was a young police officer working Rampart and Charlie Beck was my supervising lieutenant.[15] Beck's daughter, Scimone, is a patrol officer in the Hollywood area. His wife, Cindy, is a retired LA County deputy. His son, Martin, is scheduled to graduate form the police academy in December.[10]
Beck is a 33-year veteran of the department. He is said to have strong report from the department's rank-and-file officers and civil rights advocates. The LA Times first reported the selection on its website.[10]
Beck, McDonnell and Moore each bring unique qualities and leadership styles to the table and would make very different chiefs.[2] McDonnell is said to be favored by business and civic organizations, while Moore has support from some of the City Council's Valley members.[1]
Mr. Beck is head of detectives, and recently accompanied Bratton to Australia help select the LAPD's latest patrol car. [4]
SOURCES
1. Villaraigosa's partner against crime -- latimes.com
2. New LAPD chief to be announced Tuesday -- latimes.com
3. Mayor Villaraigosa to select LAPD chief Tuesday | 89.3 KPCC
4. New LAPD chief's challenge: build on Bratton's legacy | csmonitor.com
5. Mayor's pick for chief will be announced Monday - LA Daily News
6. Villaraigosa selects Beck to be next LAPD chief -- latimes.com
7. LAPD, City Hall watchers closely track chief selection | 89.3 KPCC
8. Bratton's legacy: It's going to be a tough job for the next chief - LA Daily News
9. Los Angeles mayor picks new police chief - CNN.com
10. Villaraigosa Picks Beck | NBC Los Angeles
11. KNX - Bratton Now Takes on a New, Global Challenge
12. Mayor to Announce Choice for New LAPD Chief on Tuesday
13. UCLA faculty experts advisory: Mayor to announce new L.A. police chief / UCLA Newsroom
14. LA Mayor set to tap new top cop Tuesday
15. Charlie Beck tapped by mayor as new LAPD chief | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times
16. Los Angeles Police Department Chief William Bratton honored in 'End of Watch' ceremony
17. Bratton Says His Final LAPD Goodbye :: blogdowntown
18. California Chronicle | Schiff Introduces House Resolution to Honor Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton
19. The real Villaraigosa era begins now -- latimes.com
20. Extra, Extra. Extra Hour: LAist: Los Angeles News, Food, Arts & Events
21. The Associated Press: LA mayor to announce pick for new police chief
22. Villaraigosa to Name New LAPD Chief Tuesday: LAist: Los Angeles News, Food, Arts & Events
23. L.A. is seeing its police officers in a new light -- latimes.com
24. LA Mayor Villaraigosa may name a new police chief Monday | 89.3 KPCC
25. Who is Charlie Beck? A look at Villaraigosa's choice for LAPD chief | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times
26. New LAPD Chief to be Charlie Beck: LAist: Los Angeles News, Food, Arts & Events
27. Villaraigosa's Sunday - LA Observed
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