MAYOR: EVALUATE CHIEF ON 7 POINTS INCLUDE LEADERSHIP, PLANS TO CUT CRIME.

Byline: RICK ORLOV Staff Writer

As the Los Angeles Police Commission begins evaluating whether to give Chief William Bratton a second five-year term, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa released his criteria Tuesday for measuring the chief's performance.

``The LAPD faces a broad array of challenges and opportunities that will require strong leadership in the coming year,'' Villaraigosa wrote in a three-page letter to the commission.

The mayor said Bratton should be judged on seven points -- from plans to continue reducing crime and complying with a federal consent decree to how well he manages the department's finances and implements new programs.

Villaraigosa has been effusive in his praise of Bratton in the past year. Bratton was also the first person Villaraigosa met with after he was sworn into office.

The mayor also pushed through the first-ever increase in trash pickup fees to pay for an expanded Los Angeles Police Department force, hoping to boost its ranks by 1,000 officers over the next five years.

Bratton's contract is up for renewal next year. Under City Charter rules, he must formally apply for a second term early next year.

The Police Commission began its review Tuesday, meeting in a closed-door session at the City Club to determine how to evaluate Bratton's performance.

Villaraigosa said he has been pleased with the city's drop in crime.

``Despite these achievements, many neighborhoods remain plagued by the devastating impact of crime,'' he wrote in his letter to the commission. ``Any amount of criminal activity in the city of Los Angeles is unacceptable, and Chief Bratton should be evaluated based on his ability to continue the citywide reduction in crime.''

Villaraigosa said he also is concerned with Bratton's management of the department's budget.

``The LAPD received a significant increase in resources,'' the mayor wrote. ``Chief Bratton should ensure that LAPD resources are expended in an effective and efficient manner.''

The mayor wrote that he also wants Bratton judged on his ability to add officers, ensure diversity and sustain his focus on homeland security and disaster preparedness. And an evaluation of Bratton's performance should be done regularly.

``We must collectively challenge the chief of police to lead a department that remains a world-class model for effective and efficient policing,'' the mayor wrote. ``I believe Chief Bratton is capable and prepared to meet these expectations.''

rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com

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