One day after the unexpected announcement that Long Beach Chief of Police Anthony Batts will leave to become the next head of the Oakland Police Department in September, reactions have poured in that paint the picture of a city sad to see him go but sending well wishes. Batts served as an officer in the LBPD for 27 years, and served as Police Chief for the past seven.
“I think the world of Tony, I really do,” Mayor Bob Foster said today at a press conference to celebrate a $550,000 grant awarded to the Conservation Corps of Long Beach.
“I’m saddened that he’s going to leave Long Beach, because he did a remarkable job. I think people forget there were some real difficulties within the department when he came in. But he really wants to see if he can take over the department in Oakland and see if he can succeed there. I have a lot of affection for Tony and I wish him well.”
Yesterday’s announcement was a shock to all, even Batts himself, who was literally in the dentist’s chair when the media ran with the story.
The Press-Telegram today wastes no time in speculating on Batts’ replacement, offering three LBPD officers who could be promoted along with Santa Monica Police Chief Tim Jackman and Oceanside Police Chief Frank McCoy – both former LBPD officers.
Sayeth the P-T‘s Tracy Manzer:
The two most frequently mentioned names were Santa Monica Police Chief Tim Jackman, who was considered for the chief’s job when Batts was promoted in 2002, and Oceanside Police Chief Frank McCoy, also once a front-runner for the job.
Jackman left the LBPD as a deputy chief, citing his desire to move on to bigger things, Batts’ young age making it unlikely Jackman would have an opportunity to be promoted in Long Beach anytime soon.
McCoy was a commander when he left the LBPD in 2006.
Still others said Deputy Chief Bill Blair, Deputy Chief Jeffrey “JJ” Craig and Deputy Chief Robert Luna would be good leaders for the department and would make a natural choice for the city.
But in a conversation with the lbpost.com yesterday afternoon, City Manager Pat West indicated that the search for a new chief could last several months. And it’s just as likely that the incoming chief will not have ties to Long Beach. He commended current LBPD higher-ups and said a replacement could very well come from within, but also expressed that the search will be nationwide.
One factor working in the favor of current LBPD officers is the City’s extreme budget situation and the current threat to officer jobs that it poses. Promoting from within could ensure that someone familiar with the situation is being put in place, rather than having to learn and react to the financial difficulties from scratch.
Mayor Foster this morning commended the officers that Batts mentored.
“Part of how you judge anybody in an executive position is by the people they leave behind,” Mayor Foster said this morning. “Tony has done a great job.”