BACA TAKES REINS AS SHERIFF; REGION CHIEF NAMED NEXT UNDERSHERIFF.

Byline: Douglas Haberman Daily News Staff Writer

Los Angeles County Sheriff-elect Lee Baca asserted control over the department Wednesday, naming regional Chief Paul Myron as his choice for undersheriff and saying he may appoint an inspector general to oversee jails, where several inmates have died recently. Speaking the day after his election, the county's first Latino sheriff said he will ``seek partnerships with emerging diversity'' in Los Angeles. But he warned not to expect major changes immediately after he is sworn in Dec. 7.

``They will come certainly, but they may not come as swiftly as some might think,'' he said during a news conference at Sheriff's Department headquarters.

Department commanders including Undersheriff Jerry Harper, the interim sheriff, pledged to work with Baca for a smooth transition. Harper had supported Sheriff Sherman Block, who died of a brain hemorrhage last week.

Harper made it clear that the political campaign is over. ``This is a family that had an argument,'' he said. ``We're now in reconciliation.''

What remains unclear is whether the rank and file will support Baca.

One patrol sergeant with nearly 20 years' experience said Baca's choices for his top command will be crucial to how he is perceived by deputies.

``I think the most significant changes early on are going to be personnel changes,'' said the sergeant, who asked not to be identified. ``If he makes the right choices, he can be successful. If he picks rotten folks who are problematic, it's going to have an impact on me'' and everyone else in the department.

Baca won considerable praise from officials for his choice of Myron as second in command. Myron now oversees Region 1, which includes the Antelope and Santa Clarita valleys and Agoura Hills. A 34-year veteran who was the department's senior planner for the 1984 Olympics, Myron commanded the detectives division, served as executive assistant to the sheriff and headed recruitment.

``Paul is a hands-on professional, well-respected in the law enforcement community,'' said county Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, whose 5th District encompasses many of the same areas as Region 1. ``He's able to meet with the community . . . and come up with good solutions.''

``I think he's a very bright, articulate, caring law enforcement executive,'' said Lancaster City Manager Jim Gilley. ``Whenever I have any concerns that I think need to be addressed at a higher level than station captain, I go to him. I'm real pleased that he's been selected.''

Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford called Myron a tough cop but a good listener who is responsive to the needs of the communities he has served. ``I think he understands what's going on out there,'' Ledford said.

Harper, who plans to retire after Baca takes office, also praised the choice. ``I don't think Baca could've picked a better undersheriff from among his supporters,'' he said.

Baca said he is considering appointing an inspector general to act as an independent watchdog over the Sheriff's Department's custody division, which oversees the largest jail system nationwide.

Another of the department's needs will be continued good relations with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, which had endorsed Block. All five supervisors in separate interviews extended their support to Baca.

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PHOTO From left, interim Sheriff Jerry Harper, Sheriff-elect Lee Baca and Region 1 Chief Paul Myron, Baca's choice for undersheriff, prepare to hold a news conference Wednesday.

David Sprague/Daily News

Chart: Latest election results