L.A. Police Commission Downplays Speculation on Next LAPD Chief

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners Monday called "any purported list of finalists" for the job of permanent LAPD chief  "premature, unofficial, and unconfirmed."

"While we recognize that the selection process for the next Police Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department has garnered much excitement and speculation, at this stage, the process is confidential," the commission said in its one-paragraph statement.

"The commission has not released any information about potential candidates.

The Los Angeles Times -- citing "multiple sources familiar with the nationwide search" -- reported Friday that, after an initial round of interviews, the number of candidates had been narrowed to about 10.

On that list -- divided into department veterans and outsiders -- is former L.A. County Sheriff and one-time LAPD assistant chief Jim McDonnell, as well as department veterans including Assistant Chief Blake Chow; Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides, commanding officer of the South Bureau; Deputy Chief Donald Graham, who leads the Transit Services Bureau; Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton, head of the Detective Bureau; and Cmdr. Lillian Carranza of the Central Bureau, the Times reported.

According to the Times, outside candidates include former Houston and Miami chief Art Acevedo; former LAPD assistant chief Robert Arcos, who now works for the L.A. County district attorney's office; and two female policing executives from outside agencies.

On July 9, the Board of Police Commissioners discussed the appointment of a permanent chief in closed session, but did not announce any significant developments.

The commissioners are in the process of interviewing candidates. Former Chief Michel Moore retired at the end of February, and interim Chief Dominic Choi is running the department for the time being.

Mayor Karen Bass will select the next chief, choosing from nominees provided by the commission and an outside hiring firm.