Applying for Chief of Police, LAPD

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Los Angeles is synonymous with Hollywood and known as the "Entertainment Capital of he World." It has also become the world's undisputed center of innovation and creativity. The new Chief of Police must be capable of effectively inspiring a police force and motivating and supporting officers, while at the same time building trust with the broader Los Angeles community.

THE COMMUNITY

Neighborhoods are Los Angeles. From Granada Hills nestled into the Santa Susanna Mountains on the north, to the port communities of San Pedro and Wilmington on the South, and from the bluffs of Pacific Palisades overlooking the blue of the ocean on the west, to the birthplace of the city at El Pueblo on the east, Los Angeles is the world's most diverse city. With 3.7 million residents, and covering 486 square miles, Los Angeles is a salad bowl of diverse people, of changing terrain, of urban cultural, and of economic opportunity.

Los Angeles has rich history rooted in Mexican culture, and a modern identity that spans international borders. It is a gateway city, not only to Latin America, but also to Asia, South America, Europe, the South Pacific, and Africa, with Los Angeles International Airport serving as the new Ellis Island.

Home to the infamous Walk of Fame, Los Angeles is synonymous with Hollywood and known as the "Entertainment Capital of the World." It has become the world's undisputed center of innovation and creativity, exemplified in the film, television, and recording industries that spur Los Angeles' growth and economic development.

Arts and culture are prominent in Los Angeles, beginning with a downtown cultural center, bounded by the soon to be completed state-of-the-art Disney Concert Hall, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Music Center Complex. Cultural opportunities beyond downtown are found throughout the over 90 neighborhoods that make up Los Angeles, with more than 100 live theater venues, an impressive number of museums with world-class art collections, and numerous ethnic and cultural organizations.

As the nation's second largest city, Los Angeles' economic base is as diverse as the city itself. Los Angeles is the top ranked City in America in terms of manufacturing, accounting for more than 10% of the nation's production. Within Los Angeles a variety of items, such as aircraft, aircraft equipment, aluminum, dental equipment, games and toys, gas transmissions, guided missiles, space vehicles, propulsion units, and women's apparel are produced. Los Angeles industry has access to the nation's largest volume port complex and is supported by world-class education and research institutions - UCLA, USC, Occidental College, and California State University Los Angeles and Northridge.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the world and has been recognized nationally for its long history of considerable experience and dedication to professional policing. Responsible for maintaining a safe, crime-free environment in 18 community areas covering 468 square miles, LAPD is divided into four bureaus and over 50 divisions, groups, units or sections, all of which is overseen by the Board of Police Commissioners.

LAPD is an organization of 13,000+ employees (10,196 sworn, 3,562 civilian) that operates on a budget of $950 million. The Department currently has a senior command and management structure comprised of ten Deputy Chiefs, three Police Administrators (civilian), and 17 commanders.

The organizational functions found within the Office of the Chief of Police are Chief of Staff and Special Assistant, which includes Ombudsman, Internal Affairs Group, Administrative Group, Governmental Liaison, and Community Affairs Group. The Mayor appoints the Chief of Police with confirmation by the City Council and he/she reports directly to the Police Commission.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHIEF

The Chief of Police directs, plans, and coordinates the enforcement of the penal provisions of the City Charter, the ordinances of the City, and the laws of the state and nation for the purpose of protecting persons and property and for the preservation of the peace of the community. The Chief of Police is responsible for testifying before the City Council, the state and national legislative bodies on law enforcement matters of importance to the City of Los Angeles, as well as proposing new or amending existing legislation which could have an impact on law enforcement.

The Chief of Police attends Police Commission meetings to keep Commission members informed about any issues related to the Department's operations, and to respond to citizens' complaints or concerns. The Chief of Police acts on all matters related to disciplinary issues and recommends awards for exemplary conduct of the Department's sworn and civilian employees. The Chief of Police also makes presentations to private citizens' community groups, churches, schools, and the business and industrial community to promote the goals and missions of the Police Department and to solicit their input in making the City of Los Angeles a safe place in which to live, visit and conduct business.

During a state of emergency such as civil disturbance in the City, the Chief of Police assumes a leadership role in planning, coordinating and directing all activities aimed at restoring peace in the City or otherwise returning conditions to normal.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Los Angeles Police Department is searching for a Chief of Police who will develop and implement strategies that lead to comprehensive organizational change, the reduction and prevention of crime, effective partnerships with a broad coalition of community groups and implementation of the federal consent decree.

The next Chief of Police for the Los Angeles Police Department must be both an inspirational leader and an astute manager. He/she must have a proven track record in organizational change and development, considerable experience working with diverse communities, and knowledge and expertise in developing crime reduction strategies. He/she must be capable of effectively inspiring a police force and motivating and supporting officers, while at the same time building trust with the broader Los Angeles community. The ideal candidate must have considerable experience in financial management, technology, recruitment, deployment, labor relations and creating a work environment that encourages problem solving and innovation. Finally, the next Chief of Police for LAPD should set professional standards that will make the Department a national model for effective and responsible policing.

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required. A Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Criminal Justice or related discipline is preferred.

Ten years of progressively responsible police service experience including experience at the senior executive level is required. Prior experience should have been gained with a large metropolitan police agency. The ideal candidate should have a proven track record of working effectively with diversity-related issues. Leadership of a large-scale community based policing program is highly desirable.

THE COMPENSATION

The salary range for the Chief of Police is $168,105 to $252,147. The City also offers a generous benefits package that includes retirement, medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, vacation, and sick leave.

TO APPLY

If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter, which details your career accomplishments and how they, in addition to your experience, make you qualified for the LAPD Chief of Police position to:

Application Deadline: July 19, 2002

Questions can be directed to Bob Murray and Associates at (916) 784-9080 and Chuck Wexler, Executive Director of the Police Executive Research Forum at (202) 466-7820.

Following the closing date, resumes will be screened against the criteria outlined above. The most qualified candidates will be invited to interview with Bob Murray and Associates and the Police Executive Research Forum.

A select group will be asked to provide references prior to being recommended as finalists. References will only be contacted with candidates' permission.

Finalists will be invited to interview with the Los Angeles Police Commission. Those that move forward will interview with the Mayor.