Willie Williams becomes this city's first black police chief Sunday, aiming to build bridges with the community and restore confidence in a disgraced, demoralized force.
Will the Philadelphian succeed?If cheerleaders outside the department count, he should. But land mines lie everywhere - especially within the force of 7,900 men and women he takes over from his prickly predecessor, Daryl Gates.
"A lot of us, civil libertarian organizations and civil rights groups, are really rooting for him," said Ramona Ripston, executive director of the city chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. "We want to help him to make it in L.A. But I think he has a formidable task ahead of him."
Williams, 48, headed the 6,300-member Philadelphia Police Department for four years, the pinnacle of a 30-year law enforcement career. His hallmark was stressing community-based police, most visibly symbolized by ministations that now dot Philadelphia.
Gates, chief for 14 years, left on a sour note, his reputation devastated by the recent riots. In his farewell speech he urged the troops to "serve Willie Williams," noting Williams is "from the outside" and "that makes it even more difficult for him."
The image of a big gun from another city coming to clean up the crime-ridden streets of Los Angeles could provoke a backlash.
"Many of the longtime officers will oppose someone who comes from the outside," Ripston said. "And the fact that he is African-American may work against him. You can't have the history of racism that has been documented in this department and not have it be a factor."
As Williams was officially sworn in Friday at his new home here, Amnesty International issued a report on what it called an "appalling" record of brutality by the LAPD with minorities taking the brunt of it.
Gates still commanded respect from his officers and when he left his office Friday for the last time, it was to fond applause and shouts of "Four more years!"
"I'm sorry to see him go," said Detective Sgt. Richard Van Nort. "He was a strong leader, a policeman's type of chief."
Williams was sworn in Friday so he could officially take over at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, when Gates' retirement was to take effect. A formal installation was scheduled for Tuesday.
The new chief, who describes himself as "a people person," has already begun meeting community leaders. Many came away impressed by his personal touch and sincerity.
"His attitude bodes well," said Vibiana Andrade, regional counsel for the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund. "It's like the beginning of a new era. He's certainly someone who's willing to be open in a way chief Gates never was."
But Bill Violante, president of the police union, the Police Protective League, said Williams will need money to improve the department but is arriving at a time when city budgets are tightening.