NO-CONFIDENCE VOTE FOR PARKS? POLICE UNION SETS BALLOTING ON CHIEF PERFORMANCE.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

Stepping up pressure instead of heeding calls to reduce tension, the Los Angeles Police Protective League called Friday on its 8,300 members to issue a no-confidence vote against Police Chief Bernard C. Parks.

``Chief Parks has failed our city and he has failed his own police officers,'' League President Mitzi Grasso said at a news conference at the union's downtown headquarters.

``The LAPD is increasingly dysfunctional. It is not providing the people of Los Angeles with the services to which they are entitled. Recent crime statistics show that crime is up while arrests are down citywide.''

Grasso said a ballot was sent to league members, asking them to give Parks a vote of no confidence before he official announces in mid-February whether to seek a second five-year term.

Aides to Mayor James Hahn, who will ultimately decide whether to give Parks a second term, said he was disappointed in the union.

``The mayor thinks this survey is distracting and taking away focus on addressing public safety issues,'' spokeswoman Julie Wong said. ``The mayor has said he is going to evaluate Chief Parks based on his merits and not on political pressure.''

Parks reportedly met with a number of downtown leaders recently asking for their support on his reappointment. Hahn said he has not been contacted by them and would not be influenced in his decision.

Parks, who is on vacation, could not be reached for comment. However, Deputy Chief Mike Bostic issued a harsh criticism of the league.

``They knew he was on vacation and I am appalled and shocked they would do this at this time,'' Bostic said. ``Chief Parks and all the command staff have been working to implement reform and the consent decree. The league has made clear where it stands.''

League officials have been saying for weeks they do not want Parks reappointed.

The league's action was harshly criticized by Councilman Nate Holden. During a news conference outside City Hall, Holden emphasized that the league's board of directors is all white and that it has been at odds only with Parks and former Chief Willie L. Williams, both African-Americans.

``It seems to me there are overtones to this,'' Holden said. ``We don't need this type of divisiveness at this time. We don't need this to start off the new year.''

Grasso, the first woman elected as league president, denied that race is an issue.

``Anyone can run for this board,'' Grasso said. ``We encourage people to run and want the board to be as diverse as its membership.''

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Mitzi Grasso

'Parks has failed'