Bratton Announces Key Appointees

The Police Department’s new gang czar, Capt. Michael Hillmann, is described by LAPD officials as well as rank-and-file officers as a cop who is as comfortable mulling police tactics with the brass as he is donning riot gear in the streets.

The 35-year department veteran, who heads its Air Support Services Division, was one of three key appointments made by Chief William J. Bratton on Tuesday, along with Cmdr. Earl C. Paysinger and Police Administrator Laura Johnson.

Hillman is receiving a rare two-level promotion to become deputy chief.

Paysinger, who is the department’s employee relations administrator, succeeds Deputy Chief Willie Pannell as head of the South Bureau operations.

With Hillman and Paysinger, Bratton has a team in place that will execute his strategy to combat spiraling gang violence that has hit South Los Angeles particularly hard.

“They are the right fit for the right jobs,” said Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell. “They both bring solid experience and a well-deserved reputation for leadership”

Both men were praised by police union officials and top commanders as innovators with the ability to listen to community concerns, qualities that Bratton said will be a key to remaking the department.

Police Protective League President Bob Baker described Hillmann as a natural leader.

“He’s very operationally savvy, but he’s also sensitive to the community,” Baker said. “I know that the men and women of the department will listen when he speaks, and that’s important right now.”

Mitzi Grasso, the union’s vice president, called Paysinger a breath of fresh air as well as “a guy who’s not afraid to mix it up.”

“He’s looking for new ways to deploy our patrol officers to address rising crime problems,” Grasso said.

Paysinger, a 27-year LAPD veteran, was in the news in the 1990s when it was learned that a gun registered in his name was the one held by O.J. Simpson during the infamous low-speed Bronco chase. Paysinger told investigators that he bought the gun for Simpson to help provide security for the former running back.

While off duty, Paysinger also worked as a bodyguard for Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis while the team was in Los Angeles.

Those who know Paysinger say he is familiar with the South Bureau and is equipped to handle the new job. With the retirements of Assistant Chief J.I. Davis and Pannell, he is the highest-ranking African American to serve on Bratton’s command staff.

In addition to serving in the department’s Metropolitan Division, Paysinger worked various assignments at the Southwest and 77th Street stations, which will be at the heart of Bratton’s anti-gang battle in South Los Angeles.

Hillmann, the point man for those efforts, brings a background with a variety of assignments, including work in the Metropolitan Division, the special weapons and tactics team and the Anti-Terrorist Division. He also has been captain of the West Los Angeles Division.

Johnson has served as commanding officer of the support services group. She will now head the fiscal and support bureau.

All three of Bratton’s appointees will be sworn in today at a ceremony at the 77th Street station.