Two dozen applications submitted to succeed Bratton

With the deadline for applications now passed, the field of candidates competing for the top job at the Los Angeles Police Department has been set.

A total of 24 people have submitted applications to replace outgoing Police Chief William J. Bratton, including 13 from within the LAPD.

Since announcing his decision to step down at the end of October, Bratton has been outspoken about his belief that his replacement should come from within the department. He strongly encouraged all 12 of his deputy and assistant chiefs, who run the day-to-day operations of the department, to apply for the post.

The applications will now be reviewed by the city’ personnel department, and at least six will be forwarded to the civilian panel that oversees the LAPD.

The panel, in turn, will conduct interviews and choose three finalists. From those, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will make a selection. A decision is expected by mid-November.

—Joel Rubin

Comments

[Mary]

Don't forget, the City needs a new Director for Animal Services. Spread the news far and wide so we can get a good pool of applicants. They must be able to get along with the Union, employees, City Hall red tape, rescuers, volunteers and the public. They need to be able to bring everyone together to help animals.

[John Doe]

Three LAPD employees deserve to be considered for the Chief of Police. Among them are PO II Matthew Simanski, PO II Barbara Caranza, and PO II Stephanie Tuller. These individual officers are an outstanding police officers of the LAPD. They deserve recognition for this position.

[Alika]

John Doe: I'm not too familiar with LAPD organizational structure, but isn't the jump from PO II (Police Officer II) to Chief a bit large? Wouldn't the positions of Senior Lead Officer and Sergeant the next logical steps up for a police officer worthy of a promotion?

[John Dingler]

The article does not state why Bratton is recommending that the next chief of police should be selected from within the department. It could be for any number of reasons, so I can only guess that it most likely has to do with performance and familiarity.

If so, doesn't Bratton's recommendation that the next chief of police should be selected from the department seem to make fools of those members of the city council who selected him from out of the department, as well as to diminish the value of his own tenure as chief?

[Jennie]

If that is the same Matt Simanski I went to Cal Poly with, he'd be the funniest Chief ever. He'd be really fun, but his sarcasm would tick some people off I'm sure, some people have no sense of humor.

Besides, if it is the same guy, he hasn't been an officer long enough. Someday he would be a good one though.

[David]

This has to be one of the hardest jobs in public life. For that reason, look at who is NOT asking for the job. Is there a captain who is well thought of but NOT applying? That person is probably the most sane and level headed of the bunch. Find that person and convince them to take the job.

[Patrick Ramirez]

Police Officer Shaun King. He knows police work and what needs to be done, having cleaned up the southside with his innovative ideas. Mr. Mayor, please consider this outstanding individual for the position.

[Former LAPD cop]

I also vote for P-II Matt Simanski. He can beat any of the other contestants in an 8-mile run or a beer-brewing contest and really, when it comes down to it, what could possibly be more important than those two criteria? Hair? He's got them all beat there, too.

[Charz Zarwasky]

PO II Simanski yesterday, Chief Simanski today, City Council Simanski tomorrow, then Mayor Simanski next week!

When you are going to dream, you might as well dream BIG!

(He is the same one, Jennie.)

[David Jimenez]

William J. Bratton will be missed. I think Sharon Papa will be the Best one from the LAPD to become the Chief of LAPD...

[Jennie]

I'll be Matt's campaign manager when he runs for mayor. Joe Beaton would be so proud.