Parks Unveils Broad Reorganization

VAN NUYS — The commanding officer of the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Bureau--a respected administrator and expert in the use of force--will replace Deputy Chief Martin Pomeroy as the San Fernando Valley’s top cop, overseeing 1,600 officers assigned to five Valley police stations.

Pomeroy is being promoted to oversee the revamped Operations-Headquarters Bureau at Parker Center.

The Valley’s new commander, Deputy Chief Michael J. Bostic, a 24-year LAPD veteran, has spent the last two years overseeing police stations in Hollywood and West Los Angeles. He has held a variety of positions within the department, including chairing a task force that analyzed training and use-of-force procedures following the Rodney King beating.

He was called as a prosecution witness in the state trial against the officers accused of beating King, testifying that police at the scene had several opportunities to arrest King without injuring him.

Bostic also testified before the Christopher Commission six years ago, describing a widely held criticism that the department goes easy on overly aggressive cops.

“If you lie, cheat and steal, we’ll fire you,” Bostic told the panel. “If you use drugs, we’ll fire you. But if you use excessive force, we won’t.”

He was among many LAPD officers who spoke to the panel that made dozens of reform recommendations, including changes in the way officers are disciplined.

Although Bostic has never worked in the Valley, residents of the West Bureau are seen as having similar concerns, including the demand for more officers on the street.

Deputy Chief David Gascon said Bostic’s transfer reflects Chief Bernard C. Parks’ concerns for the Valley.

“The chief is very attentive to Valley issues,” said Gascon, who was named Parks’ chief of staff. “He’s already made a commitment to the top staff here that he’s looking carefully at the Valley.

“Mike Bostic is a very talented, very capable guy who has tremendous energy and commitment; I think he’ll do an excellent job.”

But Gascon also said that Bostic has “a tough act to follow.”

Pomeroy’s promotion was announced Thursday as part of Parks’ reorganization plan.

Pomeroy, 51, was one of several candidates for interim chief and is considered an effective manager with strong ties to Parks. During his four years as head of the Valley Bureau, Pomeroy gained respect and popularity among Valley residents. He had the job of following Mark Kroeker, a popular Valley commander who was transferred to head the South Bureau.

Pomeroy, who lives in Placentia, says he looks forward to his new role and believes that Bostic will fit well in the Valley.

“He’s a younger, smarter, better-looking version of Marty Pomeroy,” Pomeroy quipped. “We think alike. . . . If people liked me, they will like him.”

Some community activists said there is a bright side to the departure of popular Valley leaders.

“As I see it, the more of our Valley police officers who move downtown, the more responsive downtown will be to the Valley,” said Lee Alpert, an Encino attorney. “Does Pomeroy leave a legacy? Absolutely. He followed a very popular deputy chief--Mark Kroeker--but Marty was certainly every bit as effective.”

Parks had hinted at Pomeroy’s promotion earlier this week in a meeting with local business leaders in Sherman Oaks.

“Years ago, you told me the worst thing we could do was move [then-Valley deputy chief] Mark Kroeker,” Parks told the Mid-Valley Police Council. “Now you’ll tell me the worst thing would be to move Marty Pomeroy. . . . Good people promote. You can’t hold them back.”

Pomeroy’s style was a marked contrast from that of his predecessor, who was seen as an outgoing, gregarious public speaker who could charm a crowd or a small group.

Bostic, 45, is married to a Los Angeles police officer. He was on vacation Thursday and unavailable for comment. The changes take effect at the end of the month.

While Bostic is not yet known in the Valley, some community leaders said they trust Parks’ selection.

“Most of us out here have a lot of confidence in Chief Parks,” said Harry Coleman, president of the North Hills Community Coordinating Council, which has worked with the LAPD to crack down on local crime. “Marty Pomeroy will be sorely missed, but we’ll welcome and work with the new [deputy] chief. That’s just how the game is played.”

Capt. Richard Wemmer, who oversees the Van Nuys Police Station, said he too has worked well with Pomeroy, a plain-spoken boss who has worked to secure resources for his station, one of the city’s busiest. Wemmer said he hopes his new boss will continue to expand and improve community relations, as well as focus on crime prevention.

But as with any newcomer, Bostic will have to make the rounds--meeting with both officers and residents.

“For a while, we’ll have to adjust to a new style,” said Irene Tovar, a member of the Foothill Police Station’s community advisory board and a member of an LAPD outreach panel serving Spanish-speaking residents.

“I hope he has a commitment to serve the needs of all the people who live in the San Fernando Valley . . . and an understanding of the diversity he faces in the Valley.”