Chief Williams Reaches Out to Church Leaders : Relations: He asks Catholic priests to support officers, reiterates commitment to community policing.

Responding to an invitation from Catholic priests concerned with hostility between police and community members, Police Chief Willie L. Williams told a group of priests from riot-scarred areas that he is committed to establishing community-based policing.

Priests said they were encouraged by Williams’ plans and invited officers to attend Sunday Masses.

“Probably our biggest concern is that police do not seem to be a part of the community,” said Father John Keese, pastor of St. Columbkille Catholic Church in South Los Angeles. “They come in from the outside, in emergencies, and the feeling is they do not come in with sensitivity and respect for the people.”

Keese organized the meeting between Williams and the priests, who represent 32 parishes and 250,000 Catholics. Keese said the goal is to develop an ongoing dialogue between police and residents.

Williams, who spoke Tuesday at Nativity Catholic Church in South Los Angeles, across from a block of charred stores, defended his widely criticized 7,900-officer department, asking for support and understanding.

“If I can bring a message to you . . . I would ask for your support in helping me spread a small part of the gospel that the majority of the men and women in this department come to work and do a tremendous job in our city day in and day out,” Williams said.

Williams described his community-based program as “a philosophy of management.” He said that “if it’s appropriate and the community wants it,” he plans to employ foot patrols and neighborhood police substations similar to the policy he implemented as police commissioner in Philadelphia. But he emphasized that changes will take time.

Keese agreed. “It’s not a final solution, but it’s a step toward opening doors,” he said. “It goes both ways. It is a long process without a doubt, but what gives us hope is that the police chief is willing to talk, listen and come into the area. That sets a tone for the officers and for the people of the community.”

Williams, who is a Methodist, said he and his wife will visit churches throughout the summer to decide which one to join and to “get a strong, personal and upfront view of the city.” The new chief also vowed to create an atmosphere that will make it easier for community members to voice complaints against the department.

A Police Department spokesman said Williams will routinely meet with civic and religious leaders. The spokesman knew of no other specific plans at present.

The Catholic priests’ desire to use the church as a safe place for communication is a common philosophy for leaders of other faiths as well. Protestant church officials met with community leaders earlier this month to discuss similar methods of encouraging communication.

And Catholic, Protestant and Jewish leaders are working together in other efforts to heal the city.

“We all share common concerns,” Keese said. “The churches are a vehicle of communication, a place where people can meet and have confidence and openness.”