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# Q-Line asks readers what qualities the next Santa Monica police chief should have
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/082906-story-20060829/
- Published: 2006-08-29T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T21:19:58.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Government & Politics, Santa Monica, #archive-import

Now that Santa Monica Police Chief James T.

As Chief James T. Butts Jr.’s retirement draws near, the search for the city’s new top cop is in full swing. Three different panels will be assembled, comprising community members, business leaders and city officials who will make a recommendation to the city manager. So this week Q-Line wants to know, “What qualities should the next police chief possess? What does he or she need to do to make Santa Monica safer and more livable?” Call (310) 285-8106 before Friday at 5 p.m. and we’ll print your responses in the weekend edition. Please try to limit your comments to a minute or less. It might help to think first about the wording of your response.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 29, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/082906.pdf?ref=smdp.com)