With Wednesday's midnight deadline to apply for Los Angeles Police Chief Bill Bratton's job now passed, the city Personnel Department is poised to begin the next phase of its search today.

Bratton announced he is leaving on Oct. 31 to head a private security firm, with three years left on his second term.

Personnel Department General Manager Margaret Whelan said she is prohibited from releasing applicants' names or even revealing the number of people who have applied. However, a number of LAPD insiders have publicly expressed interest or are considered top contenders.

Among them are Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell and deputy chiefs Earl Paysinger, Charlie Beck and Michel Moore.

Whelan said the screening process will involve background checks and a review of the applicants' accomplishments and management experience.

The LAPD has nearly 10,000 sworn officers and several thousand civilian workers, with a budget of $1.3 billion.

After the screening process, the Personnel Department will recommend a half-dozen applicants to the Police Commission. The civilian panel will narrow that list to three finalists, with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa making the final decision.