CHIEF INTERVIEWS UNDER WAY.

Byline: Patrick McGreevy Daily News Staff Writer

The Los Angeles Police Commission began interviewing six semifinalists for the chief's job Tuesday as a group of Latino community leaders called on the panel to appoint Cmdr. Art Lopez to head the LAPD.

Lopez's candidacy was backed by nearly a dozen Latino activists including Al Robles, who heads the commission's Hispanic Advisory Committee, and Art Madrid, who formerly was the LAPD's liaison to the Latino community.

Madrid complained that the commission did not actively solicit input from Latino leaders, even though Latinos represent 40 percent of the city's population.

He said Lopez is the best candidate to deal with the diversity of the city.

``The next chief is going to have to have the ability to deal with various communities in Los Angeles,'' Madrid said. ``Commander Lopez has a lot of experience on the east side of the city and the Latinos just love him. We think he's the one who will reach out to all the communities.''

Commissioners did not respond to the comments. Later, the commission began a two-day process of interviewing the semifinalists before recommending three finalists to Mayor Richard Riordan, who will make the final decision.

Sources say Lopez faces long odds in seeking the chief's job. He is the lowest-ranked candidate. Sources say Riordan is leaning toward appointing either Deputy Chief Bernard Parks or Deputy Chief Mark Kroeker, with Parks currently holding a slight edge.

The other candidates being interviewed in closed session at an undisclosed location are Deputy Chief Dave Gascon, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department division chief Lee Baca and Sacramento Police Chief Arturo Venegas Jr.

Supporters of Parks and Kroeker also have made their preferences known to the commission through letters and testimony at a series of public hearings held during the past month.

At a news conference last week, the head of the Oscar Joel Bryant Foundation of African-American police officers endorsed Parks for chief, saying he is best suited to fairly deal with the city's diverse population.

In addition, the Police Protective League announced a few months ago that 75 percent of police officers who responded to a poll said they want Kroeker to be the next chief.

Commission President Ray Fisher has said the decision will not come down to a popularity contest. Instead, the commission is evaluating the candidates based on a set of criteria including how each candidate will provide leadership, vision and progress in implementing community-based policing and other police reforms.

Still, Commissioners Fisher and Art Mattox said the public input received during the panel's hearings has been helpful.