LGBT POV

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s office issued the press release below after Charlie Beck was sworn in as the new Chief of the LAPD. You can watch the proceeding here – but fast forward to 34 minutes in.  Read my interview with Chief Beck here.

Office of the Mayor
City of Los Angeles

ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2009

Contact: 
David Beltran
213-978-0741

Photo Credit:
Tyrone D. Washington/ LA Mayor’s Office

MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA ADMINISTERS OATH OF OFFICE TO NEW CHIEF OF POLICE

Chief Charles Beck became the 56th Chief of the LAPD after a unanimous City Council confirmation vote

LOS ANGELES – Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today administered a ceremonial Oath of Office for the new Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, Charles Beck. Chief Beck was confirmed as the 56th Chief of Police after a unanimous vote by the City Council.

“I want to commend the City Council for their unanimous vote to confirm Charlie Beck as our City’s new chief of police,” said Mayor Villaraigosa. “Today we begin a new chapter in the story of the LAPD with a new Chief committed to reform, results and our goal of securing
safe neighborhoods for every Angeleno.”

Mayor Villaraigsoa was joined by Police Commission President John Mack, City Council members, and Chief Beck’s family and friends, as he administered the Ceremonial Oath of Office to the new head of the LAPD.
After receiving the oath of office, Chief Beck was pinned with the Chief’s Badge and four stars on his uniform collar—representing the rank of Chief of Police.

Prior to today’s confirmation hearing, the Mayor and the new Chief met with city residents at town hall meetings in South LA, the San Fernando Valley, Northeast LA, the Harbor area and West LA. The series of town hall meeting provided residents an opportunity to meet the new
chief, and to ask questions about issues affecting their community.

Mayor Villaraigosa announced his selection of Charles Beck as the new Chief of Police on November 3, at a press conference outside the Getty House—the Mayor’s official residence.

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 the 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 a comprehensive approach to reducing gang violence.

After Charlie Beck was selected by Mayor Villaraigosa, he sent out this email to introduce himself to the many communities he was sworn to protect and serve:

Hello–

Yesterday, Mayor Villaraigosa nominated me to become the next Chief of Police of the LAPD. When I joined the department 32 years ago, I never thought one day I would be Chief. I am truly humbled by this honor and grateful to the Mayor for this opportunity.

You should know that this is not just a job to me. This is who I am. You could say it’s in my blood: my father, sister, wife, daughter and son are all cops.

[You can learn more about my background here.]

So, I know first hand the ghosts and the failures of this department’s past. But I also know its glory. I helped institute the progressive reforms that have transformed the LAPD into the world-class law enforcement agency you see today, keeping LA safer than it’s been since the fifties.

There’s a phrase I often use – Cops count. Character counts. Do the right thing and you can be the difference. That is how I plan to lead this organization.

I look forward to meeting and talking with members of the community and City Council over the next several weeks. Working with the community is one of the most important parts of this job, and I’d like to hear from all of you.

Please use this page we’ve set up to send me your questions and ideas, and please forward this to any of your friends and family that are interested in the future of the LAPD. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,
Charlie Beck