New Anaheim Chief of Police OKd by Council

The Anaheim City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the appointment of Joseph T. Molloy, currently director of public safety in Alhambra, as new police chief in Anaheim.

City officials praised the new chief as a “people-oriented manager” who received high marks from co-workers and other law enforcement professionals.

“We went looking for a chief who is not only a good administrator but has good to excellent people skills,” said Anaheim City Manager Bob Simpson. “That was probably the single most important factor. He understands the essentials of good management and working with people.”

Molloy, 48, served as police chief in the San Gabriel Valley city of Alhambra from 1980 to 1985, when he was named director of public safety, placing him in charge of both the Police and Fire departments. He is a 25-year veteran of law enforcement.

Molloy described the Anaheim post as a plum too good to pass up.

“Certain positions come up in one’s life which have unique qualities, and I think this was one of the premier jobs available in the state for many years to come,” Molloy said. “It provides the challenge, resources and high quality of people necessary to make this very rewarding. . . . It’s the last job I’m going to have; I don’t plan on going anywhere else.”

Molloy will assume his duties on June 6 at a starting salary of $78,870, equivalent to his salary in Alhambra. Under terms of the contract, the city will also contribute $11,137 to a supplemental retirement fund of his choosing.

Molloy, who said he met with Acting Police Chief Martin Mitchell on Tuesday for the first time, said he has yet to visit Anaheim’s police headquarters and will not become involved in any police matters until he begins his duties.

“There is probably a lot of anxiety in the department now,” he said. “One of the first things that I’ll do is get to know the people well.”

Molloy’s appointment capped a three-month search for a successor to former Police Chief Jimmie D. Kennedy, who retired in December after 30 years on the force.

The new chief will almost immediately be faced with the task of replacing several top administrators who, along with dozens of other city employees, opted to retire in December when city retirement benefits were reduced.

Plans are also under way for a lengthy departmental management study and expansion of police facilities.

And City Council members already have noted several areas of police protection in the city that they feel should receive more attention.

“I think aside from the management study and construction of new facilities, the new chief will have to concentrate on the drug problem and prostitution plaguing the Jeffrey-Lynne area and some of our other inner-city areas,” Councilman William D. Ehrle said.