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Chief Williams Unveils Proposal to Reorganize LAPD : Police: Plan for streamlining the department includes moving 100 officers out of desk jobs onto the streets. Commission will consider report next week.

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From a Times Staff Writer

Police Chief Willie L. Williams presented his reorganization plan Friday to the Los Angeles Police Commission, calling for a more streamlined Police Department that combines several key functions and is geared toward freeing more officers to return to patrol duties.

The proposal, presented as an organizational flow chart, is scheduled to be discussed Tuesday at the commission’s next meeting. Once approval is granted, Williams plans to begin appointing deputy chiefs and commanders to new positions. He hopes to have about 100 officers out of desk jobs and on the streets by January.

“Hopefully, we can start moving people into place and start improving our operation and service,” said Deputy Chief Robert Gil, the department’s chief spokesman.

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Williams’ planned reorganization includes a new Criminal Intelligence Group that combines the organized crime, anti-terrorist and vice divisions. He also calls for a Community Affairs Group, which unites press relations, public affairs and other similar units.

In another move, Williams has the Internal Affairs Group reporting directly to his office, a move seen as strengthening the disciplinary process for officers engaged in misconduct. Now, there are multiple levels of supervision before the group reports to the chief.

Williams plans to maintain the LAPD’s geographical patrol divisions and also calls for an executive director to act as the civilian manager for the Police Commission, a provision approved by voters when they passed the police reform ballot measures this year.

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