Keep Parks, Delgadillo Says

Los Angeles City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo on Sunday endorsed Police Chief Bernard C. Parks for a second term, calling him a committed leader whose service has distinguished the Los Angeles Police Department.

Delgadillo announced his endorsement during morning services at the First AME Church in Los Angeles. He was joined on the pulpit by the Rev. Cecil “Chip” Murray, Parks and his wife Bobbi, Rep. Diane Watson (D-Los Angeles) and City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas.

“He is a man of impeccable personal conviction, strong character--strong enough to uncover [the] Rampart [corruption scandal]--and he is a man I am proud to call my friend,” Delgadillo said after hugging the chief as the congregation applauded and cheered.

Delgadillo is one of the first city officials to publicly back Parks, who announced Thursday night that he wants a second five-year term. The chief’s bid for reappointment will be considered by the five-member Police Commission appointed by Mayor James K. Hahn. The mayor has not publicly expressed an opinion about the decision facing his commissioners.

“I think it’s important to have this kind of endorsement because I think Rocky Delgadillo clearly understands the need for consistent law enforcement effort in the city,” Parks told reporters outside the church.

But Police Commission President Rick Caruso criticized Delgadillo’s endorsement, saying it creates a conflict of interest because the city attorney’s office is responsible for advising the commission during the reappointment process--and the office would probably be consulted about the legal implications of reappointing Parks or of refusing him a second term.

“I’m surprised and disappointed that the city attorney would do that,” Caruso said. “It seems to taint everything.”

Caruso said the commission must now seek outside counsel to guide the panel.

Ben Austin, Delgadillo’s communications director, said the city attorney considered the ramifications of his endorsement and decided that, as a citywide elected official, he had an obligation to voice his opinion.

Delgadillo is not the first city attorney to jump into the politics of the department. Hahn was criticized roundly by other city officials in 1996 when, as city attorney, he endorsed Chief Willie L. Williams for reappointment.

During his remarks at the First AME Church, Delgadillo cautioned that his endorsement is “not a blank check.”

He called for the LAPD to implement a federal consent decree mandating reform of the force and to recruit more officers, improve community policing and boost the morale of the rank and file.

Hahn, who does not have a formal role in the reappointment process unless the Police Commission does not act, has said he will voice his opinion about the chief at some point during Parks’ evaluation.

The relationship between the mayor and his chief has not been completely smooth. Since taking office in July, Hahn has pushed for several measures over Parks’ objections, including a flexible work schedule for police officers.

Hahn did not attend the party Thursday night at a Hollywood club celebrating the chief’s 37th anniversary with the LAPD. On Sunday, Parks’ wife, Bobbi, said she sent the mayor an invitation. Julie Wong, a spokeswoman for the mayor, said Hahn did not receive it.