The Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners announced Friday that members will hold six community meetings to get input on the selection of the next police chief.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck said last month that he will retire June 27, a year and a half before his term ends. He has led the department since 2009.
Commission members said they consider the suggestions and concerns when making selections and assessing the qualifications of the candidates being considered. A website link will also be established to allow for public input that will include access to a survey that will be posted later this month.
The commission held a similar series of public meetings and internet feedback last year when it was considering a drone program, and was criticized by some activists for moving forward with the program even though a strong majority of the feedback it received was opposed to the program.
The police chief meetings are set to begin next week and will be held in different areas of the city. The locations are:
— 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, Feb. 17, 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