Mayor Names Ex-LAPD Official as Police Liaison

A former Los Angeles Police Department commander has joined Mayor Richard Riordan’s staff to advise the Administration on police matters, especially on ways to speed implementation of voter-approved reforms, the mayor’s office said Friday.

Joe Gunn, who since his 1979 retirement has carved out a successful career as a television writer, began work last week. His six-month contract pays $24,000, Riordan spokesman Noelia Rodriguez said.

Gunn, a 20-year veteran, is acting as a liaison with the department for Riordan and his appointed police commissioners. The department is responsible for implementing sweeping reforms recommended by the Christopher Commission after the 1991 police beating of black motorist Rodney G. King. The Police Commission has publicly expressed its opinion that the department has not moved quickly enough on the reforms and has pressured Chief Willie L. Williams to do better.

“It’s become apparent there’s not a handle on [the Christopher Commission reforms]” Rodriguez said, but she discounted speculation that Gunn’s hiring was an attempt to wrest authority from the chief.

“He is working with Williams,” Rodriguez said. “The reality is, it’s a win-win situation for everybody.”