The Board of Police Commissioners, the Los Angeles Police Department’s civilian bosses, Tuesday will hold the first of six planned community meetings to get input on the selection of the next police chief.
Los Angeles police Chief Charlie Beck, who has led the department since 2009, said last month he will retire June 27, a year-and-a half before his term ends.
Commission members said they will consider the suggestions and concerns voiced at the meetings when making selections and assessing the qualifications of candidates. A website link will also be established to allow for public input.
The commission held a similar series of public meetings and internet feedback last year when it was considering a drone program. Subsequently, it was criticized by some activists for moving forward with the program even though the bulk of the feedback was in opposition to it.
The police chief meetings will be held throughout the city, according to this schedule:
— Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Wilmington Senior Center Community Room, 1371 Eubank Ave., Wilmington;
— Thursday, 6:30 p.m., AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School, 6844 Oakdale Ave., Canoga Park;
— Saturday, 10 a.m., Van Nuys City Hall, 14410 Sylvan St., Van Nuys;
— Tuesday, Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m., Edwin Markham Middle School Auditorium, 1650 E. 104th St., Watts;
— Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m., Montecito Heights Senior Center Community Room, 4545 Homer St., Montecito Heights;
— Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m., West LA Municipal Building Hearing Room, 1645 Corinth Ave., Sawtelle.
—City News Service