CHIEF URGES REJECTION OF PLAN TO IDENTIFY `JOHNS'.

Byline: Patrick McGreevy Daily News Staff Writer

LAPD Chief Willie L. Williams is asking the Police Commission to oppose a proposal that would broadcast the names and photographs of people convicted of soliciting prostitutes.

In a report to be considered by the commission today, Williams said the cost and potential legal liability of the program makes it unreasonable to pursue.

``The department supports continuing efforts to reduce criminal conduct and improve quality of life issues such as elimination of prostitution activities,'' Williams wrote in a report. ``However, it is recommended that the board oppose this motion.''

The motion to implement the program was introduced by City Councilman Hal Bernson, who won council support for the program in concept, but needs the Police Commission and LAPD to back the effort.

Greig Smith, the councilman's chief of staff, said Bernson believes the City Attorney's Office and Williams are being too cautious.

``We still think it's a good idea,'' Smith said Monday. ``We're very disappointed in the department's lack of (positive) response when the field personnel uniformly say it's a great idea.''

Smith said Bernson will have to decide whether to pursue the program even if the Police Commission votes today to oppose it.

Bernson first proposed the program as a way to deal with the proliferation of prostitution along Van Nuys Boulevard. He originally proposed that the names of people arrested be broadcast on the city's cable television channel.

When that drew concerns about possible misidentification, Bernson won council approval of an amendment to also broadcast the booking photographs of arrestees and to wait until the person is convicted to avoid lawsuits involving people who are later acquitted of solicitation charges.

However, Police Commission Executive Director Richard Dameron noted in a separate report to the panel that the City Attorney's Office concluded ``the booking photographs are considered confidential, so they could not be released to newspapers for print.''

To further complicate matters of identification, Dameron said the City Attorney's Office concluded that the city could only publicize the general description of the area of residence for arrestees.

Dameron also said his staff has been unable to find a private media outlet willing to publish the names and photographs, but his report does not discuss the use of the city's cable television channel.

In addition, Williams said processing the additional paperwork would cost the LAPD an extra $387,000 a year.

Smith said the councilman is not surprised by the city attorney's concerns, charging ``They see liability in anything we do.''

However, Smith said the proposal may not be feasible if it is not supported by the Police Department.

``If the department doesn't want to do it, we may not be able to,'' Smith said.