Former Judge to Mediate Police Chief’s Severance

The dispute over how much severance money--if any--should be paid to outgoing Los Angeles Police Chief Willie L. Williams, as well as the date of the chief’s departure from the post, will be mediated by retired Superior Court Judge Richard “Skip” Byrne.

Mayor Richard Riordan and lawyers for Williams said Sunday that Byrne will arbitrate the dispute pro bono--for free. The appointment of the former presiding judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court came after more than a week of discussion between Riordan’s staff and Williams’ attorneys.

But City Council members stressed Sunday that the mediation will be nonbinding for, by law, they have the final say on Williams’ terms of departure.

Williams’ five-year term ends July 6, but the discussions will also determine whether he should leave before then.

Council President John Ferraro said he was consulted by the mayor’s office. The outcome of the mediation “will have some bearing on what the results are,” he said, but there is “not an obligation on our part to accept it.”

That was echoed by Councilman Joel Wachs, who complained that the mediation decision was not relayed to the entire council. “It’s pretty amazing that it would be done without consulting the council, which would be the only [body] which can make a decision,” Wachs said.

Some city officials say that if Williams leaves early, he should receive only the balance of his $173,000 annual contract. Others have said he should receive a six-figure sum no matter when he departs.

Williams’ attorneys and supporters have repeatedly indicated he might sue the city if his contract was not renewed.

Police Commission Chairman Raymond Fisher said Sunday that Riordan’s office had consulted with him in selecting Byrne, and that he approves of mediation.

“I’ve been personally supportive of a process that would allow the chief to resolve his conflicts and depart in a dignified manner,” Fisher said.

Last month, the Police Commission voted not to offer Williams a contract for a second term. The City Council could have overturned that decision, but chose not to bring it to a vote.

Earlier this month, in a 14-0 vote, the council rejected efforts to pay Williams to leave early.

Riordan spokesman Steve Sugerman said the mediation will begin this week and that Riordan has asked negotiators to move expeditiously. He added that the mayor will support the council’s final decision.

In a news release, Riordan said: “It is in the best interests of Angelenos to have Chief Williams leave his office with dignity. I believe Judge Byrne will help us reach this goal.”

In the same release, Williams’ attorney Peter Ostroff said: “Skip Byrne has an outstanding reputation in the legal community as a fair and just negotiator.”