Hahn Seeks Revival of LAPD Lead Officer Program

LOS ANGELES —  City Atty. James K. Hahn on Thursday urged the Police Commission to reinstate the popular Senior Lead Officer Program as an “invaluable step” in rebuilding public confidence in the Police Department.

The program--which was discontinued by the LAPD several years ago--assigned officers to work as liaisons to Neighborhood Watch groups, homeowner associations and merchants to address crime issues ranging from drug dealing on particular street corners to graffiti abatement. They became known as the officers to call to get things done.

However, shortly after Bernard C. Parks became LAPD chief, he reassigned the senior lead officers to patrol jobs. He argued that he wants all police offices, not just a select few, to work closely with the community.

The Police Commission is expected to decide in the coming weeks whether the department should restore the program. Members of the City Council also want the department to revive it.