Henderson picks new police chief

Wednesday, July 20, 2005 | 9:38 a.m.

The head of the Los Angeles School District Police was been named Henderson's next police chief Tuesday by Henderson City Manager Phil Speight.

The Henderson City Council is scheduled to ratify the selection of Alan Kerstein at its Aug. 16 meeting, one day after the chief takes over his new duties.

Council members met with Kerstein on Thursday and gave him a ringing endorsement, the final step before his nomination by Speight. He will earn $144,721 a year to replace Michael Mayberry, who retired in April.

Kerstein, 58, worked 31 years with the Los Angeles Police where he rose to the ranks of commander. He also served a police chief in Utah before going to work for the Los Angeles school district in June 2002.

Speight said his decision was a close one between Kerstein and the second finalist, Torrance, Calif., Police Chief James Herren. He said Kerstein's experience with a big-city department was the deciding factor.

"It was important for us to select someone that fits the character of our community and brings to the department years of experience and leadership," Speight said. "Kerstein was the best fit.

"His background is with large agencies, which is beneficial to this community since our police force will double in the next few years."

With a recently approved tax initiative, Henderson is expected to nearly double its officers to 500 in five years.

For Kerstein, getting the job is a homecoming of sorts. His parents have lived in Henderson for 15 years and a sister recently moved to the community.

"I am still in kind of shock. It hasn't settled in yet," said an elated Kerstein, who called Henderson his dream job. "It is an honor and privilege to lead a great organization."

Kerstein said every chief in the country would like to oversee the growth that Henderson will face, and that makes the job so exciting and such an attraction. He said officers will be able to focus more on patrols and prevention instead of simply responding to calls.

The new chief has the backing of the president of the Henderson Police Officers Association. Cliff Robotham said Kerstein was his No. 1 choice. In meeting with the union, Robotham said, Kerstein showed a willingness to look at all sides of an issue before making a decision.

"Henderson's gain is our loss," added Dan Isaacs, the chief operations officer for the Los Angeles School District. "Henderson is going to get a man of character and a well trained police chief."

Councilwoman Amanda Cyphers said she's impressed with Kerstein's experience but also said that what is just as important is his interaction with people. She said he has passion for the community.

She said Henderson isn't small town anymore and must have the right person for the job.

"I have a good feeling about this guy," Cyphers said. "I feel he is going to fit well with our community. He is going to be very active in our community and very accessible. He will definitely make us all proud."

Eighty applicants from across the country sought the job.