San Francisco Police Department Chief Bill Scott reportedly is looking to return to the Los Angeles Police Department as its top cop.
Scott, who left LAPD as a deputy chief to lead SFPD in 2017, is scheduled to be interviewed, the Los Angeles Times reports citing a source. Before joining SFPD, Scott served 27 years with LAPD. He is one of four candidates considered for the LAPD position.
Scott did not confirm or deny he has applied for the chief of the LAPD. But NBC sources say he is in the top five and expected to be on the final list of three candidates sent to Mayor Eric Garcetti, who will make the final choice.
"I’m not going to confirm an unsubstantiated source," Scott said. "I have to be focused on this job. We have a lot of work to do. All the recommendations from the DOJ reform, property crimes we’re making progress on."
Late Mayor Ed Lee chose Scott, wanting an outsider to bring in a new culture to a department embroiled in controversy. There had been racist and homophobic text-messages exchanged by officers and a number of controversial police shootings. In May 2016, after the third officer-involved shooting in one year, Lee asked for Chief Greg Suhr’s resignation.
The LAPD Commission says it expects to provide a Top 3 list, with its recommendation for its most favored candidate, to the mayor's office around June 1.
NBC Bay Area sources say it appears the list may be sent over sooner, meaning if Scott is chosen, he could be gone by next month.
Local
LAPD Chief Charlie Beck retires June 27, according to the LA Times.
NBC Bay Area's Terry McSweeney contributed to this report.
