POLICE UNION REFUSES TO BUDGE HAHN'S APPEAL ON CHIEF'S BEHALF REJECTED.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

A defiant Los Angeles police union flatly rejected on Friday the mayor's plea to drop its war against Police Chief Bernard C. Parks.

The Los Angeles Police Protective League wrote to Hahn, repeating many of its past complaints against Parks. It also said the League would continue to push to see Parks replaced if his reappointment comes before the Los Angeles Police Commission in coming weeks. Parks is expected to announce Friday whether he will seek a second five-year term.

``This isn't about a man - it's about his mission,'' PPL President Mitzi Grasso wrote. ``If making people aware of the issues constitutes a political campaign, then we're proud of it.''

Hahn sent a letter to the League on Wednesday, asking it to suspend its campaign against Parks and allow the selection process to go forward as provided in the City Charter.

Aides to Hahn said Friday that the mayor would not comment on the League's response.

Parks also had no comment.

The police union and Parks have been at odds for more than a year on a variety of topics, ranging from flexible work schedules to discipline and promotions. It has been able to use its political muscle to force some of the changes on the chief, as Hahn has agreed with many of the union's positions.

Grasso said the League has tried to work with Parks on several of the issues, as well as the rising crime rate, attrition and recruitment, morale problems and the 9-1-1 emergency phone system.

``Sadly, all our efforts have been met with the same refrain from Chief Parks - 'No.' It isn't just that he rejects our help, he even rejects the notion that there's anything wrong.''