Black Deputy Chief Named; Second in LAPD’s History

Bernard C. Parks, a 23-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department who heads the LAPD’s Support Services Bureau, was promoted Wednesday to the position of deputy chief, only the second black officer ever to achieve that rank in the LAPD.

Chief Daryl F. Gates’ decision to promote Parks, 44, came hours after Mayor Tom Bradley authorized funding to create the deputy chief’s position that Parks will fill. The job carries an annual salary of about $91,500.

Parks will join four other deputy chiefs and three higher-ranking assistant chiefs serving at the top management levels of the Police Department.

Gates is expected to formally announce Parks’ promotion today. That action may coincide with rumored plans by Gates to reorganize the LAPD’s administration. Department sources have described the reorganization plan as a mostly bureaucratic reshuffling of management assignments that first required the addition of the deputy chief’s slot that Parks will fill.

Black officers, who number 852 of the LAPD’s 7,200 officers, applauded Gates’ selection of Parks, calling his career achievement an inspiration for all minorities in the department. At least five other commanders were considered for the job.

“It’s a clear example that this promotion was based on merit and that there are qualified minorities who can assume positions of responsibility,” said Detective Monrow Mabon, first vice president of the LAPD’s black officers organization. “We are very pleased.”

Parks now commands more than 1,300 officers and civilian workers. He oversees the LAPD’s Records and Identification Division, scientific labs, communications and computer systems, planning and research functions and jail units. He has served in that job for 18 months and was promoted to commander in October, 1980.

He expressed surprise Wednesday at word of his selection.

“The chief’s office called me and played a little joke,” Parks said. “They told me that I was supposed to attend a meeting with only deputy and assistant chiefs present--get it? I told them I’d be very pleased to be there.”

Parks becomes the second ranking black officer in the LAPD. Assistant Chief Jesse A. Brewer, a 35-year veteran of the force, was promoted from deputy chief in November, 1987.