LAPD Interim Chief Named

Deputy Chief Michael Downing was today named the Los Angeles Police Department's interim chief. Currently, Downing is in charge of the department's counterterrorism unit.

He will take over the coveted spot until a new chief is selected by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The Los Angeles Police Commission says a short list of three candidates for police chief will be announced later today. Police Commission President John Mack told reporters that all three finalists are members of the LAPD. The three finalists were chosen unanimously by the police commission after a three-and-a-half hour closed-
door meeting this afternoon.

According to the LAPD website, Downing served as the Commanding Officer, Hollywood Community Police Station, from July 1999 to April 16, 2005, where he oversaw a command of 300 sworn and 40 civilian personnel. He was then promoted to Commander in April of 2005 and was assigned as the Assistant Commanding Officer, Operations-South Bureau. In April 2006, Michael Downing was transferred to Counter Terrorism and Criminal Intelligence Bureau and in April 2007 he was promoted to Deputy Chief as the commanding officer of the bureau.