Hahn Suggests Moving Some LAPD Functions

Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn on Monday asked a panel working on the replacement of LAPD headquarters to consider moving some operations to the San Fernando Valley or other areas away from downtown.

“One of the benefits that came out of the secession movement is that it raised our awareness about how city government is perceived -- as far off and unreachable,� Hahn wrote in a memo to the city’s Municipal Facilities Committee.

“Therefore, as you look at possible locations for a replacement Parker Center building, I would like you to seriously consider which functions could possibly be located in existing commercial space in the Valley or other appropriate areas of the city.�

Hahn said units that should be considered for possible decentralization include the Robbery-Homicide Division, burglary and financial crimes detectives, juvenile services and organized crime.

He also identified vice, narcotics and anti-terrorist units, community affairs officers and Police Commission staff members who issue bingo and alarm permits.

The facilities committee agreed Monday to ask its leasing agents, engineers and Los Angeles Police Department officials to report back in two weeks on possible moves.

A 1996 report commissioned by the city urged that Parker Center be demolished and replaced, rather than retrofitted with fire alarms and sprinklers, seismic safety features, a new roof and new floors.

Frustrated by delays, the Police Commission voted last week to set a goal of moving the 1,200 employees out of Parker Center in as little as 90 days because the building is a safety hazard.

On Monday, Philip Tondreault of the city General Services Department told the Municipal Facilities Committee that it would take at least 10 months -- and possibly much longer -- to move employees out of the building into leased space, because extensive communications systems would have to be transferred.

There is a chance some functions in Parker Center could be moved to the Valley, but the idea would require study and planning, according to LAPD spokesman John Pasquariello.

He noted that some units that used to be in Parker Center, including internal affairs and rape detectives, have been partially moved to the Valley already.

The mayor’s proposal was welcomed by Richard Katz, chairman of the Valley Independence Committee, a group that pushed unsuccessfully for passage of a Valley secession measure Nov. 5.

“It’s a great idea,� Katz said. “It would make it easier to get the Valley crime issues addressed. Some people might see this as symbolic, but I see it as a commitment to the Valley.�

Hahn campaigned hard against secession, asking Valley voters to give him and the City Council a chance to bring government closer to the Valley and other neighborhoods far from downtown.

In his memo Monday, Hahn said some functions will have to stay downtown.

“I recognize that there may be both advantages and disadvantages to ‘splitting’ the Parker Center functions into two locations,� Hahn said. “However, by genuinely considering this option, it will also show our continued commitment to all parts of the city.�