What Next in the Police Furor?

Police Chief Daryl F. Gates is not the sole issue in the divisive aftermath of the videotaped beating of a motorist suspected of speeding. The accountability of the chief of police-- and the extent to which the brutal beating of Rodney King reflects the chief’s style of leadership, a pattern of behavior or a common attitude within the police department--are legitimate questions that must be answered.

But the Police Commission’s decision Thursday to put Gates on administrative leave for 60 days pending completion of its investigation reminds Los Angeles, as if any further reminder were necessary, that the chief has become the lightning rod.

The commission’s action, whose legality will be tested in the courts, is understandable. Gates has not been forced to leave. He is being asked to step aside for a decent interval while the commission’s probe proceeds.

Gates is within his rights to challenge the police commission in court, but under the circumstances, is that the wisest course? Given the polarizing crisis and the increasingly ugly tone of the debate, would it not have been better for Gates to accept the decision? Even if the chief prevails in the courts, he must understand this issue is now larger than any one man.

No doubt Gates feels he did nothing wrong. But did his management style or controversial remarks foster a climate that permitted the beating? Lead to the failure of the sergeant at the scene? Set a tone that allowed other officers to watch the beating without intervening, and then fail to report it to their superiors? Encourage a belief that officers could transmit personal messages--including racially offensive remarks and jocular sentiments about use of force--over police commuters without penalty?

The Police Commission, and the newly impanelled Christopher Commission, must find answers to these and other questions to help defuse this intensifying storm. To avoid counterproductive duplication and increase efficiency, the independent Christopher Commission has taken aboard retired state Supreme Court Justice John Arguelles, who had been tapped by Chief Gates to chair a narrower probe stemming from the March 3 beating.

The expanded commission fortunately will not depend on funds, staff or other resources from either the city or the police department. To guarantee independence, the citizens panel will be able to draw on as much as $1 million in funds and services raised from private foundations and businesses. That independence--from the mayor, the City Council, the Police Commission and the LAPD--is absolutely essential to reassure the public.

It is in the best interest of public safety to resolve this crisis. The Police Commission and Christopher Commission must act responsibly and with all deliberate speed.