Police Chief Greg Savelli will become chief of the Los Angeles Bureau of Parking Enforcement and Traffic Control on Tuesday.
Savelli announced last week that he is ending his five-year tenure in Hermosa on Thursday, Jan. 12. He is widely credited with improving police standards, forging fresh links with residents and stemming a tide of lawsuits against the city.
In Los Angeles, Savelli will oversee about 670 uniformed traffic officers, including those with the rank of sergeant, captain and deputy chief.
The bureau issues parking citations, implements vehicle tows and impounds, directs traffic when needed, provides first responders in emergencies, and sets up roadblocks and detours on “red flag days” when fires cause traffic to be rerouted at hilly areas.
Bruce Gillman, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, did not know Savelli’s salary, but the position was advertised to pay $120,000 to $150,000 a year.
In Hermosa, Savelli directed a police force of about 40 sworn officers.
The chief was lauded by the City Council on Tuesday.
“He’s done a tremendous job of transforming our Police Department,” Mayor Howard Fishman said.
“He didn’t hide out in his office. He was on the streets, he was on the plaza,” Councilman Peter Tucker said.
Councilman Jeff Duclos told Savelli that he established “the template” for Police Department interaction with the community.
“You will be greatly missed,” Duclos told Savelli.
“It’s been a wonderful ride here…It’s with mixed emotions I leave,” Savelli told the council.
“I’ll remain a resident, and stay here to keep an eye on you guys,” he joked.
Savelli is widely credited with improving police standards, forging fresh links with residents and stemming a tide of lawsuits against the city during his five-year tenure. His last day on the job is Thursday, Jan. 12.
