Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!americast-post Newsgroups: americast.twt.news From: americast-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: americast-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: Cautious support greets new chief Date: Fri, 20 Nov 92 15:30:30 EST Message-ID: \SE A \HD Cautious support greets new chief \BY Vincent McCraw and Brian Reilly \CR THE WASHINGTON TIMES Community leaders and politicians yesterday applauded the selection of Fred Thomas as the District's new police chief, but some questioned how quickly he can change a crime-plagued city. Several top police officials offered cautious support for Mr. Thomas, who left the department seven years ago - before the city faced crack cocaine, a skyrocketing murder rate, and a record number of investigations of misconduct and criminal activities by police. Police officials said Mr. Thomas will have a chance to change the direction of the force by reorganizing top posts after several pending retirements. The officials, including deputy chiefs who requested anonymity, are confident Mr. Thomas is a talented administrator. They said his low-key, almost stoic style will be a dramatic contrast with that of his predecessor, Isaac Fulwood Jr. "From what I know, I have nothing but good things to say about him, but I don't know very much about him," one deputy chief said. Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly announced the appointment Wednesday night. Mr. Thomas, who retired in 1985 after 20 years on the force, had served as a deputy chief and commander of the 6th District. The announcement came nearly six hours before Chief Fulwood's brother, Theodore, was shot and killed near his Southeast home. Since retiring, Mr. Thomas, 48, organized the daily operations of the Metropolitan Police Boys and Girls Club, a nonprofit organization. That work should provide him a head start in relating to the city's youth, some observers said. "He's definitely had an opportunity in saving a lot of [youths] with his expertise and knowledge and respect he's gained from street boys and girls. That will make a difference," said Calvin Rolark, publisher of the Washington Informer and chairman of a panel of community leaders appointed by the chief to advise him on department issues. Several assistant and deputy chiefs have hinted at plans to retire next year. Most of them, with more than 20 years on the force, are choosing to retire soon after cost-of-living increases are added to their retirement packages in February and August. Assistant Chief Addison Davis, a 29-year veteran serving as interim chief until Mr. Thomas is confirmed by the council, already announced plans to retire early next year. Deputy Chief Willie White, head of the training academy, has temporarily taken over Chief Davis' former duties as chief of the administrative services bureau. Besides Chief Davis, Assistant Chief Melvin High, commander of the patrol operations, is also considering retirement, police sources said. Chief High, one of the seven finalists for the job, said he would consider retiring if he wasn't selected as chief, the sources said. City Administrator Robert Mallett said he has "no point of view" about whether senior officers should retire, but he expects some will chose to leave. "We certainly can't stand to lose a whole [group] of senior officers. We can't afford it. We need them. Mr. Thomas will need them," Mr. Mallett said in a briefing with reporters. He also countered claims that Mr. Thomas was a compromise candidate intended to allay concerns about whether the new chief would come from inside or outside the department. "I think some people will say we satisfied both camps. Some will say we satisfied neither camp. I can't be bothered with that," Mr. Mallett said. D.C. Council member Charlene Drew Jarvis said that if she'd been involved in the selection process, she would have considered "the kind of experience within the department the candidate might have had." Council sources said she favored another finalist, Deputy Chief Richard Pennington. Chief High heads the department's largest bureau, overseeing about two-thirds of the force. Before him, Chief Fulwood and former Chief Maurice T. Turner held the post. The third finalist within the department was Deputy Chief Roland Perry. "If we had somebody with successful experiences in several different divisions, that would have been a good standard by which to make a selection," Mrs. Jarvis said. At least one police official publicly disapproved of Mrs. Kelly's selection. "Chief Thomas is a nice guy, but he was not the best man for the job," said Lt. Lowell Duckett, president of the D.C. Black Police Caucus. He suggested Chief High and Assistant Chief Rodwell Catoe as better candidates. "The mayor is directly responsible for this fiasco, and it is an insult to the residents," he said. Mr. Thomas still faces council confirmation. "I am assuming the mayor made a wise selection," said Ward 6 council member Harold Brazil, who has been at the forefront of the council's efforts to get tough with criminals. "When he comes before the council, we will have an in-depth look at his experience and where's he's going to take us." Mr. Thomas said he will offer no specifics of his plans for the department until he is confirmed. He said his thrust is to "look at ways in which we can better deliver services to our constituents." * Jonetta Rose Barras contributed to this report. This article is copyright 1992 The Washington Times. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM