PERSPECTIVE ON THE LAPD : Selection Process Isn’t Right Without a Verdict From Voters : In June, voters decide on new rules for selecting a police chief; let’s delay a choice till then and include all city voices.

The June 22 election to change the rules by which a new police chief is selected in Los Angeles is little more than three months away. It is, therefore, premature and imprudent, in my view, to proceed with selecting a new chief before the people of Los Angeles have the opportunity to determine how this selection should occur.

With the findings of the Christopher Commission and the imminent departure of the man who has been chief for 14 years, Los Angeles is at a historic crossroads. For this reason, I believe we should do everything in our power to take full advantage of this important moment to send a message of inclusion to all residents of our city.

The current rules governing the selection of the chief of police give added points to applicants who are from inside the department. Under these arcane and not so arbitrary rules, the third most highly qualified candidate, who happens to be a Latino from outside the department, cannot be considered for this important position. In addition, Los Angeles’ largest minority group is not represented in the final list of candidates for the chief’s job. The residents of the city deserve and should demand the best. Some would argue that the LAPD is in such disarray that we cannot afford to wait to hear from the voters before making the final selection of the new chief. One major and practical problem with this argument is that a new chief cannot be appointed until the current one steps down. That will not happen until after the June election. Also, having a “chief-in-waiting” before the office is vacated may create its own unique set of controversies and distractions, if indeed it is legal at all.

In my opinion, whatever problems may be caused by delaying the decision on the chief are small in comparison with the negative and exclusionary message that would be delivered if the Police Commission does not wait for the election.

My position on this issue should in no way be construed as a reflection on the excellent candidates currently under consideration for the chief’s job, nor should this be viewed as an attack on any community of interest. Rather, my concern is that, at this point in history, all residents of Los Angeles need to feel assured that their voices are heard, their interests are represented and, most important, that there is equal opportunity for all.

This travesty should not happen to Latinos, blacks, Asians or any other community of interest. Moreover, it should not happen to the residents of this city.