Los Angeles Daily News reporter Rick Orlov wrote yesterday that the Los Angeles Police Commission is now searching "in earnest" for LAPD chief Bill Bratton's replacement.

"There are at least six candidates who will be interviewed on Wednesday and Thursday - and they are said to include some from outside the LAPD - at a yet-to-be announced downtown location as Personnel winnows the list down to three choices for Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa," Orolv explained.

Los Angeles Police Protective League President Paul Weber already has a couple suggestions for Los Angeles Police Commission President John Mack: Hire someone who is a "people person" and is "good with money."

In an interview with L.A. Weekly, Weber explained that "the next chief is really going to have to deal with budget cuts, which is something Bratton didn't have to deal with. And that's not easy."

Weber, who heads the police union, also says that Bratton's replacement should be able to "connect with the rank and file" when he or she has to make "tough decisions" regarding any budget cuts.

As for Bratton, who's leaving on October 31, Weber says that the outgoing chief has "left the (LAPD) in better shape than he found it."

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is pushing for a quick hire to replace Bill Bratton, who's leaving for a private sector job in New York City.