> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# SM is chiefly speaking Search to replace outgoing top cop begins in Sacramento
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/sm-is-chiefly-speaking-search-to-replace-outgoing-top-cop-begins-in-sacramento/
- Published: 2006-07-20T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T19:01:40.000Z
- Author: Kevin Herrera
- Tags: Crime, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*SMPD’s rank and file encouraged to apply*

CITY HALL — A search firm has been selected to uncover the city’s next chief of police, replacing James T. Butts, who will take over as the director of law enforcement for the county’s airports.

City Manager Lamont Ewell said Wednesday he has hired, for $17,500, the Sacramento-based Peckham & McKenney to assemble three panels — each comprised of residents, the business community and a high-ranking city official — to give input on what qualities the next police chief should possess.

The firm, which recently helped the city of Menlo Park in San Mateo County select its new chief, will then look for candidates from across the country who best exhibit the chosen traits. Members of all neighborhood associations will be consulted, Ewell said, along with the Human Relations Commission.

Karen Bancroft, City Hall’s director of human resources, said a timeline is being developed for when the interviews with community members will take place.

Ewell said he is looking for applicants who are community oriented, with experience in neighborhood policing, as well as those who understand the importance of tourism to the local economy.

The candidates must also appreciate and respect the importance of being a team player.

“I want the executive search firm to touch base with all key stakeholders of the community to develop a solid profile of the type of chief we want to replace an incredible chief we’re losing,” Ewell said. “We want to make sure everyone has a chance to convey the thoughts and wishes of what they would like to see and go out and do a national recruitment and try to appoint the person that best fits the needs of this community.”

That does not rule out the possibility that the next chief of police could be serving the community already. Members of the rank and file, residents and city officials have all expressed their desire to see someone promoted from within.

If officers here do apply, they will be given just as much consideration as other applicants, Ewell said.

“We are proud that we have a solid talent within, but I think we have a duty to make sure we are verifying that the talent is the best and compare it with the nation and whoever best fits what the community wants,” Ewell said.

Councilman Richard Bloom said it is important for the next chief to gain the respect of the community and officers, just as Butts has done during his 15 years at the helm.

“It is important in any organization for the rank and file to have confidence in their leader,” Bloom said. “And in the case of the police chief, it’s of the utmost importance that the community have confidence. I think, by and large, our police chief has enjoyed great respect by the community.”

Butts, 52, will lead the Los Angeles World Airport police and security forces assigned to four airports in three cities, as well as assume a pivotal role in collaborating and coordinating law enforcement and security duties performed by more than 4,000 federal and local officers. The largest of these outside agencies include the Transportation Security Administration (2,000 transportation security officers) and Customs and Border Protection (800 sworn officers).

Butts announced his decision to leave the SMPD on May 24\. Before being selected as chief of Santa Monica in 1991, Butts served nearly 20 years in the Inglewood Police Department as a police officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and deputy chief.

The salary for the next police chief ranges from $151,856 to $187,476, according to Bancroft.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 20, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/072006.pdf?ref=smdp.com)