Clarifying a Mission : L.A. Police Commission hires an independent executive director

In an action that fulfills one of the Christopher Commission’s excellent recommendations, the Los Angeles Police Commission has hired an executive director who does not report to the chief. An independent staff will strengthen the citizen oversight of the Police Department.

The commission’s new executive director, Joseph T. Rouzan Jr., will bring more than independence to the position. An experienced administrator, he is no stranger to law enforcement. He was police chief in Compton and Inglewood, a captain for the LAPD and, in 1974 and 1975, commanding officer of the Police Commission. That combination should serve the board well.

The commission has its own staff--currently 60 sworn LAPD and civilian personnel--but is overseen by police officers selected by the L.A. police chief. Those power lines have discouraged criticisms and actions likely to be opposed by the chief. The divided loyalties generated by this structure have weakened the civilian oversight mandated by the City Charter.

The charter authorizes a Board of Police Commissioners to “supervise, control, regulate and manage” the department. That mandate, however, has not translated into strong civilian supervision of the LAPD.

Historically, the Police Commission has been little more than a rubber stamp for the chief, except in times of crisis. In recent years the board has responded most strongly in the wake of the police beating of Rodney G. King. That ugly use of force prompted the independent Christopher Commission to take a look at the department and call for numerous reforms, including strengthening the Board of Police Commissioners.

The Los Angeles Police Commission functions like a corporate board of directors. The five commissioners are appointed by the mayor with the approval of the City Council. Effective commissioners set constructive policies and take other positive steps to oversee the Police Department. However, they can do a good job only if they can get the help they need from an aggressive, independent staff that is not afraid to pursue complaints against the LAPD.