When Chief Bratton boards a New York-bound plane at LAX on Sunday morning to begin his new career as a private security consultant, he leaves behind three men who are on the short list of finalists being considered as his replacement.

By then, Mayor Villaraigosa will have interviewed Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell and Deputy Chiefs Charlie Beck and Michel Moore, and will be considering his choice for the next LAPD Chief. An announcement could come as early as Monday.

The League is pleased that the Chief selection process has gone smoothly. We are confident we can work with whoever is chosen.

Chief Bratton summed up the situation at a news conference Wednesday: “All three of them are extraordinary individuals, consummate professionals. The city is going to be in good hands under the stewardship of whichever one of them is privileged to be the next Chief.”

Most political pundits and editorial writers approve of the three finalists and the way the selection process has been conducted.

It’s a rare day in L.A. when the Police Commission, the Chief of Police and editorial writers are all on the same page at the same time. The stars seem to be aligning for the new Chief to begin his tenure with broad support across the City … and high expectations for success.