Other Highlights
MAYOR ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA
City of Los Angeles
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2009
Contact:
David Beltran
213-978-0741
MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA SELECTS DEPUTY CHIEF CHARLES BECK AS THE NEXT CHIEF OF THE LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
A 32-year veteran of the force, Beck is widely viewed as a progressive reformer, embracing comprehensive approach to reducing gang violence
LOS ANGELES - Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today selected Deputy Chief Charles Beck as the next Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. At a press conference at the Getty House, the Mayor touted Beck’s innovative leadership and result driven qualities.
“Beginning his career with the LAPD 32 years ago, Chief Charlie Beck has earned the reputation as a progressive police reformer,” Villaraigosa said.
“He is a man of character and integrity, a police officer who is tough on crime, and he is a leader with a deep respect and understanding of the police officers under his command and the communities they are sworn to protect and serve. Chief Charlie Beck is the right man to lead the Los Angeles Police Department.”
Standing with the new chief, Mayor Villaraigosa said his selection of Deputy Chief Charles Beck was made after a thorough evaluation of the candidates-not just on experience - but on their character, integrity, and fortitude.
Deputy Chief Charles Beck is a 32 year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department with an outstanding record of innovative leadership as a Lieutenant, Captain, Commander and Deputy Chief.
A second-generation LAPD officer, Beck has built his career as a coalition builder in some of most vulnerable neighborhoods - playing a critical role in the how the Department works with communities.
A 32-year veteran of the force, Beck is widely viewed as a progressive reformer, embracing comprehensive approach to reducing gang violence.
During the five days of interview and deliberation, Mayor Villaraigosa reached out to a broad cross-section of Angelenos that included business, religious and community leaders that provided him with unique advice and counsel about the qualities the diverse communities in LA want in their next Chief of Police.
Additionally, the Mayor reached out to city leaders, including City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, Controller Wendy Greuel, Council President Eric Garcetti, Public Safety Committee Chair Greig Smith and Councilmembers Bernard Park and Denis Zine.
In preparation for the deliberation of the Police Commission’s recommendations, the Mayor called upon a distinguished group of experts to provide him with thoughtful advice, including a decision-making framework, and their perspectives about the most important leadership attributes the next chief must posses.
The Mayor’s Advisory Group includes the Honorable Lourdes Baird, Stewart Kwoh, Ron Olson, Connie Rice and Warren Christopher, who will serve as its chairman.
Mayor Villaraigosa began his deliberation after the Police Commission delivered their top three recommended candidates on October 27 at a City Hall news conference. The Mayor received the candidates, after the Commission narrowed their candidate list after receiving 13 candidates from the City’s Personnel Department.