Binkley to Appeal Ouster, Asks for Arbitrator
Lawrence L. Binkley, who was fired from his job as Long Beach police chief two weeks ago, plans to appeal his termination, his attorney said Thursday.
Attorney Rick Meyer said Binkley is requesting an independent arbitrator to preside over his administrative appeal.
But Robert Shannon, the city’s assistant attorney, said that Binkley’s appeal will probably be heard by one or more officials appointed by City Manager James Hankla, who has the final say on Binkley’s fate. “The City Charter says that Mr. Binkley serves at the pleasure of Mr. Hankla, not at the pleasure of some third party,” Shannon said.
Hankla fired Binkley after officials cited a number of complaints, including allegations that Binkley ran the department in a dictatorial manner.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
