The Los Angeles police chief could serve for more than two terms - or become an elected officer - under separate proposals made by a city councilman and the president of the police union.

Following the 1991 beating of Rodney King, the Christopher Commission was convened to recommend reforms of the LAPD, including how the chief of police is retained. Through a charter amendment approved by voters, the head of the LAPD can serve a maximum of two five-year terms at the discretion of the Police Commission, which is a civilian panel that oversees the department.

City Councilman Herb Wesson said he plans to introduce a motion tomorrow that would allow the police chief to serve a third five-year term if there are extraordinary circumstances that require the continuity of leadership, or if the incumbent chief has demonstrated an extraordinary record of leadership.

"Allowing for an additional term under the above-specified circumstances would still retain the Christopher Commission goals of ensuring meaningful accountability of the chief of police to the Police Commission," Wesson wrote in a draft of his motion.

The proposal, which will be forwarded to the Public Safety Committee, would require a vote by the public to change the city charter. Meantime, the head of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, which represents police officers, said he thinks the public should select the police chief.

"Seventeen years after the Christopher Commission recommended sweeping changes to the LAPD, it is time for city leaders to explore making the LAPD police chief position an elected rather than appointed position,'' said Paul M. Weber. 'With the elected chief, the public will know exactly who is in charge and therefore responsible and accountable. In California, sheriffs are elected and by legislative design, responsive and accountable to the public."

Police Chief William Bratton was hired by former Mayor Jim Hahn in 2002, and in 2007 he became the first chief to serve a second term following implementation of the Christopher Commission reforms. Bratton told the Los Angeles Times it was too early to say whether he would be interested in a third term.