Mayor Riordan and the LAPD

In response to the recent publicity surrounding Mayor Richard Riordan’s meeting with mid-level managers of the Police Department (June 10), I felt compelled to write to you to apprise you of facts. The Times has taken a routine LAPD internal memorandum and blown its clearly stated intent out of proportion to create an issue where none exists.

As part of Mayor Riordan’s proactive style, he very often meets personally with all levels of management as well as the department’s general manager, Chief Willie Williams. Following one such meeting, it was mutually agreed that a detailed briefing from geographic bureau and area commanding officers would prove to be beneficial to all involved parties. That being the case, a memorandum was prepared and circulated throughout the Office of Operations.

As the director of the Office of Operations, I have line command over that 85% of the department that includes patrol and detective personnel throughout the city in all 18 area community police stations. The aforementioned bureau commanding officers report directly to me. Communicating downward to my staff by way of written memoranda is neither atypical nor cause for alarm. It is ludicrous to suggest that some plan to exclude the chief from the management of the department is being carried out. Had a Times reporter taken five minutes to call me, I could have explained the genesis of the memorandum in question and laid the matter to rest.

On a separate matter, much to-do has been made about the mayor’s absence from a recent Police Academy recruit graduation. First, let it be known that the mayor has an open invitation to all such graduation ceremonies. When his arduous schedule does not allow for his attendance, he is gracious enough to send his personal representative to address the new officers on his behalf.

Mayor Riordan is an accomplished and successful businessman who is well-versed in the tenets of management. He has made the commitment to raise the level of service delivery by all city departments through their respective general managers, including Chief Williams. He is counting on him to implement an ambitious community policing strategy and raise the morale of the department, to stifle an unparalleled attrition rate. Why not let both men do their jobs without the needless controversy generated by “issues” based on speculation and a paucity of facts?

BAYAN LEWIS

Assistant Chief, LAPD

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I don’t understand all the hoopla surrounding Williams’ alleged acceptance of free hotel accommodations in Las Vegas (June 14). Anyone who demonstrates the financial ability to gamble can obtain perks in Vegas.

Is there some gross misconduct we’re not being told about, or is there a political power struggle happening that we don’t care about? The people of Los Angeles want safe streets. The amount of money the police chief must spend for vacations is of little importance.

ANNE De VENZIO

Hollywood