Vacation Time Could Prolong Gates’ Departure

Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl F. Gates said Tuesday that even if he departs from his office shortly after the June 2 election, he could legally remain as chief “substantially beyond” that date by taking advantaged of unused vacation time.

Gates also said an upcoming book on his tenure as LAPD chief “has gone to the printer” and is expected to be published in June. He said he was not sure if he would be using vacation time to promote the book.

Last year, Gates announced he would step down in April. But later, he said he would remain until after the June election to campaign against a series of proposed LAPD reforms that will be decided by voters.