Sixth in a series
Re “Lines That Distinguish Bixby’s Style from Pedersen’s”
[img]2543|right|Scott Bixby||no_popup[/img]A normal question for the interim Police Chief Scott Bixby was how his style differs from the retired Don Pedersen.
No one around the Police Station probably would disagree with Mr. Bixby’s answer that he tends to be more internal than his predecessor.
Internal, he said, “means any time you are in the building with the people, in City Hall.”
Mr. Pederson was a joiner and belonged to numerous law enforcement associations.
“My focus is with the City of Culver City,” says Mr. Bixby who probably will not learn until September whether he has won a permanent promotion to chief.
One of the darker scenes in the not always serene history of the Police Dept. was played out five years ago when the leadership of the Police Officers Assn. grunted, roared and accused in a failed attempt to dump Mr. Pedersen. He turned out to be Superman, not only extinguishing flames that came tantalizingly close to licking him, but he left years later quite on his own terms, moving on to what appears to be a promotion.
Thirty-five years around the department have vanquished all mysteries about the prospective chief. No mysteries or surprises.
Since being appointed interim exactly four months ago, Mr. Bixby has sought to shore up all personnel areas, those above, below and across from him.
On the day Mr. Bixby was interviewed, he had met twice with the POA president and was about to address the union membership.
(To be continued)
