Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to select soon New LA Police Chief

On October 27, 2009 LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa formally accepted the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners’ recommendations for the next Chief of Police. The Police Commission’s top three candidates are-in alphabetical order- Deputy Chief Charles Beck, First Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell and Deputy Chief Michel Moore.

“Choosing the next Chief of Police is the single most important decision I will make for the remainder of my term as Mayor,” said Mayor Villaraigosa.

“This process will be comprehensive and thorough-I will move expeditiously – but will take all the time I need to make the very best decision for the people of Los Angeles.”

At a City Hall press conference with the Police Commission, the Mayor said he will thoroughly evaluate the candidates—not just on experience—but on their character, integrity, and fortitude. The Mayor also stated that he would discuss with the candidates their views on community partnerships, their plans for supporting reforms that have transformed the department, as well as their commitment to the City’s new approach to keep kids out of gangs and to address the root causes of crime.

In preparation for the deliberation of the Police Commission’s recommendations, the Mayor has called upon a distinguished group of experts to provide him with perspectives about the most important leadership attributes the next chief must posses.

The Mayor’s Advisory Group includes the Honorable Lourdes Baird, Stewart Kwoh, Ron Olson, Connie Rice and Warren Christopher, who will serve as its chairman.
In addition to bringing together a highly qualified Advisory Group, Mayor Villaraigosa will seek the counsel of a broad cross section of Angelenos that will include community, religious and law enforcement leaders.

Candidates Brief Biography:

Deputy Chief Charles L. Beck was born in Long Beach, California in 1953. He was educated locally and attended California State University at Long Beach. His father was a Los Angeles Police officer who retired in 1980 at the rank of Deputy Chief.

First Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell has been a member of the Los Angeles Police Department since 1981. He is currently the second in command of the Los Angeles Police Department and serves as the Chief of Staff. As the Chief of Staff, Chief McDonnell handles a myriad of fiscal and political issues involving the Police Department as directed by the Chief of Police.

Deputy Chief Michel R. Moore is a 27-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, currently assigned as the Commanding Officer, Operations-Valley Bureau. He was born the second of five children in Porterville, California. He grew up in various parts of the United States, graduating high school in Conway, Arkansas. He returned to Southern California and joined the Los Angeles Police Department in October 1981.

In August 5, 2009 Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton resigned as chief of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Editor Note: Who do you think the Mayor will select to handle this big city safety? Please leave clean comments. Photo By Esteban Escobar, Diversity News. (C) 2009 By Diversity News Publications. All Rights Are Reserved.

Source: Office of the Mayor City of Los Angeles ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA & Diversity News Publications.