L.A. law enforcement veteran calls Henderson a ‘dream job’

Thursday, July 7, 2005 | 9:52 a.m.

A finalist for the police chief's job in Henderson would be making a homecoming of sorts if he's selected.

Alan Kerstein, the chief of police of the Los Angeles Unified School Police Department, has been a frequent visitor to Henderson where his parents have lived for the past 15 years. Kerstein's sister moved to Henderson a month ago and another sister will be moving to the city by the end of the summer.

He said it's a "dream job" he has eyed for years and that he plans to retire in the city whether he is selected or not.

"I have been coming to Henderson for quite some time and have watched it grow. I just wished I would have bought a house 10 years ago," Kerstein joked.

Kerstein, 58, is competing against a fellow Californian, Torrance Police Chief James Herren, 52, for the job.

Henderson Assistant City Manager Mark Calhoun said background checks on the candidates haven't been completed, but City Manager Phil Speight hopes to announce his selection this week.

Calhoun said Speight, whose decision must be ratified by the City Council, said the city manager isn't leaning in any direction. Calhoun said the background checks will help decide.

"If something comes up that we were told different (by the candidates) or if something enhances what were were told, that is what we are looking for," Calhoun said.

Once a candidate is selected, Calhoun said the city would like him to start within 30 days. A vote ratifying the chief wouldn't be taken until the July 19 meeting.

Kerstein said Speight's decision will come down to who he feels is the best fit for the city organization and who has chemistry with the city manager. He's already got a feel for Las Vegas in assessing his chances.

"I think it's 1 in 2," he joked. "If not that, it's 50-50."

Kerstein said he understands why 80 candidates from across the country would want the job. Most police departments are understaffed, but Henderson plans on nearly doubling its officers to 500. That will give the department a chance to provide even more services that affect people's lives than simply responding to calls, Kerstein said.

Kerstein, a former officer of 31 years with the Los Angeles Police Department where he rose to the ranks of commander, oversaw 1,500 officers, detectives and civilians on the city's west side. He left that job in January 2000 to become the chief of police in West Valley City, Utah. He left there in June 2002 to take the chief's job with the school district.

Kerstein said he took the Utah job because he wanted to be a chief and the city wanted someone with his experience during the 2002 Winter Olympic. He was one of three finalists for the Reno job before removing his name from consideration in January.

Kerstein said he shouldn't be viewed as someone jumping from job to job. He said he withdrew from the Reno selection because he didn't think the job was a good fit for him and that he always had his eye on the job in Henderson where his parents lived.

Calhoun said Kerstein's Henderson ties will have no bearing on the selection.

"It just shows he has good taste," Calhoun said.

Herren and Kerstein are vying to replace Chief Michael Mayberry who retired in April.