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Mayor Peruses Short List For San Francisco Police Chief

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – It's now up to Mayor Ed Lee to pick the new San Francisco police chief from three names given to him by the police commission.

KCBS' Bob Melrose Reports:

Over the past few weeks the commission has vetted 75 people who applied to replace outgoing Chief George Gascón, who was appointed district attorney. Now that it's down to three names, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said that he is going to take his time.

He said that it's crucial the new chief be equipped to handle the latest police scandal, in which officers were accused of making illegal drug arrests at a South of Market hotel.

"I want to make sure that the chief is able to speak to every community in the city, and be able to get the information that he or she needs in order for the troops to have adequate investigations," said Lee.

The person who is chosen may not be there for long because Lee has vowed not to seek election in November, and the new mayor will be able to choose a new chief of police if he or she wishes.

(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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