Continuing Suggestions and Opinions
by Bobbie J. Logan

The second community meeting for the new Chief of Police criteria, hosted by the Los Angeles Police Commission, was held Thursday, May 29th, at Hollywood Presbyterian Church. The setting was decidedly quieter than the first meeting, and a little more formal, with a moderate attendance of about 40 community members.

Commission President Rick Caruso led the panel. Each speaker was given at three minutes to speak, a feature not utilized by Commissioner David Cunningham during the first meeting.

In Watts, Mr. Cunningham's enthusiasm was positive and refreshing as he engaged in conversation with each speaker, making sure he understood his or her concerns completely and didn't miss anything.

At this second criteria meeting Mr. Caruso appeared to be less inclined to engage the public directly, but he did state that all comments were being recorded for later review and analysis.

The church itself was a beautiful choice of venue, and once again the Commission staff did a perfect job of organizing the event. Many officers were also in attendance, including Deputy Chief David Kalish of West Bureau and Deputy Chief Margaret York of Central Bureau.

As one would suspect, many of the key issues brought forth by the community mirrored those presented in the first meeting, while others took on less importance.

All seem to agree, however, that we need a chief with integrity, ethics, experience and commitment ... a people person who supports community policing and who understands the complicated issues facing the Los Angeles of today. As one gentleman stated, "We need a chief who is firm, fair, kind, and consistent."

The first speaker of the evening started off with a simple, eloquent "thank you" to the Commission for allowing the public the opportunity to be a part of the selection process, and then he indicating the significance of that particular day, May 29th.

He pointed out three important anniversaries for May 29th ... Bob Hope's birthday, a man of humor and deep commitment ... the anniversary of the death of Barry Goldwater, a man who had the courage to speak his mind and respected the democratic process ... and the birthday of JFK, whose intelligence and sense of leadership has rarely been matched.

These are some of the same characteristics this particular community member felt are needed in our new chief ... to take these elements and mix them into a pudding by which to measure each candidate.

Community policing was supported very strongly. Some were concerned that our new chief have a record of personal involvement, truly embracing such programs, and that officers be fully educated in community policing. One speaker in particular felt many officers do not understand what community policing really is about, and said that they are not given the proper resources and sufficient training.

Many voiced concerns that we choose a chief who thoroughly understands the complexities of Los Angeles and its laws, the Consent Decree and civil rights, and the issues of the homeless, the handicapped, the elderly, illegal aliens and gangs. Special mention was made for justice for seniors and the mentally ill … "Do not abandon them," one attendee said.

Suggestions were given to revive CRASH, maintain the DARE program, develop youth programs and establish a "vision" of what LAPD should be, a suggestion that seems to echo throughout this process as a whole.

Two other important issues were recruitment and retention of officers. It's felt our new chief needs to be open to new ideas in these areas so that prospective and returning officers choose LAPD over other law enforcement agencies.

Several people said that the issue of discipline needs to be reviewed very seriously and that the system be modified. The community wants a chief who inspires loyalty and deals with disciplinary problems in a fair way, a chief who does not practice politics and has a broad respect for the rank and file, and a chief who can "weed out" those motivated by politics only and favors those that show a real aptitude for their jobs as police officers.

Over and over again we heard, "No politics, no political agenda, no politically motivated candidates, please." This seems to have become the mantra for the criteria for our new chief. People want a chief who can "think outside the box."

Morale issues are always at the forefront. There were suggestions about how a new chief might be able to inspire loyalty and honor in the men and women of the LAPD ... officers that work so hard and deserve the very best we can give them. Many speakers during both meetings suggested we should look for a chief who will join his or her officers in the field on a regular basis, listening and staying in tune with the rank and file ... someone who will "dig into the trenches" and build up morale from the inside out.

An openly gay Sergeant said that we need a chief willing to keep the doors open to gay and lesbian officers, a chief oriented to gay issues who will support bridges recently built with tremendous effort, and a chief who is willing to embrace the entire community of Los Angeles. There is much concern amongst the gay and lesbian community that a chief could be appointed who may not accept this diversity, and the Sergeant said we cannot afford to have someone in that position with such a closed mind.

It was at this point that Commissioner Caruso stated, "The new chief will represent the entire community."

The Senior Lead Officer Program continues to receive much support from the public also, and speakers expressed a concern that a chief be chosen who will support the program completely, understand the importance of the hiring and training of such officers, and appreciate what the SLO program brings to all of the community.

Of course, holding a meeting in Hollywood did bring out a few resident comedians, and there were a number of humorous and unique ideas proffered including throwing nets over lawbreakers in order to make arrests simpler and reduce injury.

It was even suggested that the Commission choose its first transgendered police chief.

One speaker complained that it's a terrible shame the press has not publicized any of these meetings in advance ... and then he added that an additional 200 people from the Fairfax district would have attended, but they couldn't get past the security wall built around Rick Caruso's new mall.

The evening ended with Commissioner Caruso giving his personal heartfelt thanks to all in attendance for donating their valuable time to contribute to this process.

Los Angeles truly is a "city of great drama and diversity," and as the search for a new Chief of Police goes on, I, for one, feel honored to be allowed the opportunity to witness and be a part of such a process ... and from a front row seat.

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See Choosing the New Chief to find out what was shared
at the six other public meetings held out in the communities.

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