Hailing the new chiefs

DOWNTOWN — With Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena all without permanent police chiefs, experts say a possible sea change approaches in the way law enforcement is administered in the tri-city area.

The challenges facing each department are varied — a bevy of misconduct lawsuits and investigations in Burbank, a command restructuring in Glendale, a greater emphasis on community relations in Pasadena — but experts said the common thread will be an opportunity for change.

“When there’s a change, it provides an opportunity to look at things differently,” said Robert Saltzman, associate dean of the USC Gould School of Law and member of the Los Angeles Police Commission, which serves as the civilian oversight panel for the Los Angeles Police Department. “It’s reasonable to expect and hope that there will be improved coordination and accountability.”

The three police agencies operate a joint helicopter patrol program and regional crime lab and participate in a federal program for apprehending fugitives, but they could end up competing for top police chief candidates depending on how each city handles its respective search.

Burbank City Manager Mike Flad plans to name a six-month interim chief in December. Pasadena officials plan to select their chief in late spring.

The selection process that led to Deputy Chief Charlie Beck being named the successor to Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton cast a spotlight on the quality of available applicants, Saltzman said.

“There we saw a number of folks who are very impressive and have good command experience,” he said. “Based on what I understood, my sense would be because of changes going on in policing, these are attractive opportunities. I would be surprised if there were not strong candidates.”

‘Somebody with no ties to the BPD’

While officials have yet to discuss a possible replacement to Burbank Police Chief Tim Stehr — who earlier this month announced plans to retire at year’s end as the city grapples with numerous external probes into police misconduct — there is consensus that the candidate needs to be someone from the outside, said Det. Mike Parrinello, president of the Burbank Police Officers’ Assn.