LAPD Veteran Appointed Police Chief in Arizona

Los Angeles: The city manager of Mesa, Arizona, Chris Brady, announced today his intent to recommend LAPD Assistant Chief George Gascon, 52, for the police chief position. The Mesa City Council will consider the appointment on July 12, 2006. It is expected that Gascon’s retirement will be effective August 7, 2006.

"I’m very happy for George," said LAPD Chief of Police William Bratton. "He’s been a prime mover in LAPD. Much of our crime reduction can be attributed to his leadership and focus on top-10 percenters," referring to the strategic focus on the 10 percent of criminals who are statistically responsible for 50 percent of the crime.

In 2003, Chief Bratton appointed Assistant Chief Gascon as Director of the Office of Operations, which oversees nearly three-quarters of the LAPD. Over Gascon’s 28-year career, he also managed LAPD’s training programs and police stations in South Los Angeles and San Pedro.

"Working with the men and women of the LAPD, and for the people of the City of Los Angeles, has been a tremendous experience for me," said Chief Gascon. "I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with so many hard-working, dedicated and talented people. The LAPD is one of the world’s great police departments. It will always occupy a special place in my heart."

One of his recent innovations was the Real-time Analysis and Critical Response Division (RACR), which serves as the LAPD’s command post. Gascon’s innovation gave RACR the duty and capability to support patrol and detective operations as incidents are developing in the city. Command post personnel relay real-time information to LAPD managers and investigators.

Gascon also influenced the use of surveillance cameras, LAPD’s smart car, and the field deployment of officers assigned to administrative functions. Assistant Chief Gascon earned his law degree and was admitted to the California State Bar.

Assistant Chief Gascon’s biography.