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Functions and Organization

Under the LA City Charter, the Board of Police Commissioners is the head of the Police Department. The Board sets overall policy while the Chief of Police manages the daily operations of the Department and implements the Board's policies or policy direction and goals.

The Board of Police Commissioners, originally created in the 1920's, is comprised of five civilians who donate their time to the City while maintaining their professional careers. They are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The Commissioners serve a maximum of two five-year terms. The Commissioners routinely spand 25-50 hours per week on Commission business, and serve as the citizens' voice in police affairs and as a means of ensuing more responsive and effective City government.

The Commissioners' concerns are reflective of the community-at-large, and their priorities include implementing recommended reforms, improving service to the public by the Department, reducing crime and the fear of crime, and initiating, implementing and supporting community policing programs.

The Board holds meetings almost every Tuesday, normally at 9:30 a.m. in Parker Center, but also makes frequent appearances at meetings scheduled out in the communities.

The meetings follow a published agenda consisting of various routine items of concern to the Department, as well as policy matters that may be of concern to the community. Each agenda includes a period for public comment, during which any member of the public may speak for up to three minutes on any topic within the Commission's jurisdiction.

The Board is supported and assisted in it's tasks by a staff of paid professional personenel who have a variety of functions. The chief administrative officer is the Executive Director, who reports directly to the Board and is charged with the supervision, appointment, discharge, discipline and transfer of the Commission's executive staff and Commission Investigation Division personnel.