Hail to the chief

The public will get its chance to assess Police Chief Bill Bratton later this month at a special Police Commission meeting, but it apparently doesn't expect much in the way of opposition.

The panel, which will decide by July 27 whether to approve a second five-year term for Bratton, has scheduled only one hearing, for 6:30 p.m. on April 30, to take public testimony on the job Bratton has done.

*I believe we can implement this process in an objective and fair manner," Police Commission President John Mack said in a sstatement. *For the benefit of the people of Los Angeles, we should be able to conduct a complete and thorough review of Chief Bratton*s past performance and future expectations within approximately one month.*

The public hearing will be held at the Department of Water and Power auditorium. 111 N. Hope St.
Bratton already has been endorsed for a second term by Mayor Antoniio Villaraigosa.