Police Chief Candidates Down to 13

Los Angeles police commissioners narrowed the list of police chief candidates Tuesday to 13 but declined to disclose the names, saying they had pledged to some of the applicants to keep the process secret until the top three are chosen next month.

“There is a sensitivity, because they hold high positions, chief positions in other parts of the country,” said Rick Caruso, president of the Police Commission. “Because of that, we decided it is a priority for us to live up to our commitment.”

Some police watchdogs criticized the panel’s decision to withhold the names, saying that, at this stage of the selection process, Los Angeles residents have a right to know who is up for consideration so they can voice their opinions.

“I find it distressing that this important aspect of the public’s business remains secret,” said one policing expert, Merrick Bobb, who heads the Police Assessment Resource Center. He recalled that five years ago, when Chief Bernard C. Parks was chosen, the commission released the names of six semifinalists. The commission then winnowed that list to three finalists.

“I don’t see why the same process should not be employed today,” Bobb said.

USC legal scholar Erwin Chemerinsky agreed.

“There has to be a public discussion, not only about the criteria but also about the individuals,” he said. “When people have made themselves candidates for one of the most important public offices in the city, assurances for confidentiality should not apply. Openness always leads to better discussion and thinking.”

A spokesman for Mayor James K. Hahn, who has the final say over who the next chief will be, declined to comment. But according to City Hall sources, the mayor’s office supports the decision to keep the names secret, because officials believe that some of the candidates could face retribution if current employers found out that they applied.

Police commissioners met in closed session nearly three hours Tuesday to narrow the list from 21 candidates to 13. Caruso said they would begin interviewing the 13 next Wednesday.

He told reporters that not all the remaining 13 had received the backing of all commissioners, but that after each candidate was voted on, the panel had voted again and unanimously approved the list.

“It is gender-diverse; it’s diverse from an ethnic standpoint,” Caruso said. “There is a broad mix that reflects the diversity of Los Angeles.”

But he added: “We are not going to break out any of the percentages of ethnicity and gender.” Neither would he disclose how many of the candidates had LAPD experience.

The city began the search for a new chief after the commission voted in April to deny Parks a second five-year term. Former Deputy Chief Martin Pomeroy is heading the department temporarily. Pomeroy, who had been retired, has said he plans to return to his home in Montana once a new chief is selected.

Under the City Charter, the commission will select its three top choices and forward the names to Hahn, who will make the final decision--subject to City Council approval.

Among the people who have announced publicly that they are seeking the job are: Portland, Ore., Police Chief Mark Kroeker and Oxnard Chief Art Lopez, both former LAPD deputy chiefs; LAPD Deputy Chiefs David Kalish, David Gascon and Margaret York; LAPD Cmdrs. George Gascon, Betty Kelepecz, Jim McDonnell and Sharon Papa; Santa Ana Chief Paul Walters; and former New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton.

The commission will rank its top six candidates in case Hahn rejects all three of its top choices and requests another three candidates, Caruso said. He also said the commission would adhere to the criteria created by a citizens committee in interviewing candidates.

At the top of the list of desired qualities is effective leadership and the ability to inspire the LAPD’s rank and file, which was often portrayed as demoralized during Parks’ tenure.