LAPD'S INTERIM CHIEF MAY BE SELECTED TODAY.

Byline: Mariel Garza  Staff Writer

The Police Commission will meet in closed session today to choose the person

who will lead the Los Angeles Police Department in the six or more months it takes for the city to find and hire a replacement for Chief Bernard C. Parks.

Since Parks announced his retirement last Monday, commissioners put together a list of seven or eight candidates for the interim chief's job and started calling them last week to see whether they were interested.

The position comes with the same benefits as those for a chief holding a regular term - ``full pay, full power,'' as Police Commission Executive Director Joe Gunn describes it. However, the commission will only appoint someone who is not interested in being a contender for a full five-year term.

The salary range for the chief of police is between $168,105 and $252,147.

Among the names that the commissioners will consider today are those of Acting Police Chief Michael Bostic and Scott LaChasse, a former LAPD deputy chief who recently left the department to take over security at Paramount Studios.

Bostic said Monday that he is not interested in a full term but might accept the interim position if it is offered to him.

LaChasse has also said he is not ``inclined'' to apply for the permanent position but is open to hearing the terms for an interim appointment.

Although Parks vacated his office just after his announcement last week, it is not clear when his official last day is, said LAPD Cmdr. Gary Brennan.

``I don't think we know yet,'' Brennan said. ``The actual administrative last day is something to be worked out with (the) Personnel (Department).''

The chief retires with a pension equal to 90 percent of his annual salary of $247,323. Brennan said Parks has indicated he will be available to assist the interim chief during the transition.

City Personnel Director Maggie Whelan said the municipal bidding process will take about two months for a contract to be awarded to a headhunter firm in a nationwide search for a permanent police chief.

Candidates who have publicly announced their interest in the top job will have to wait until someone is appointed to take their applications.

Deputy Chief Margaret York, commander of the LAPD's Central Bureau, said Monday that she will definitely apply for the police chief position.

If she is selected, she would be the first woman to head the LAPD. York said she doesn't expect her gender to be a factor.

``I don't think it will at all,'' York said. ``I have a lot of experience with the Los Angeles Police Department, with 34 years as a sworn officer and another 2 1/2 as a civilian working with (the) LAPD.

``I've really - I think - seen just about every aspect of working in this department. But I certainly don't think of myself as 'a woman candidate.' I think the leadership of the Police Department calls for a person who is willing to take responsibility for leadership.''

LAPD Deputy Chief David Kalish, commanding officer of the West Bureau, said he is ``definitely going to apply'' for the permanent position.

``I'm honored to be considered on the short list because I think there is a great opportunity for change,'' Kalish said. ``I was born in this city, I live in this city, and I care about this city. I want to be a part of making it better.''