LGBT POV

I interviewed new LAPD Chief Charlie Beck last week for Frontiers In LA magazine with an eye to getting to know the man behind the badge. As a fan of former Chief Bill Bratton – who supported Beck over Assistant Chief and volunteer LGBT liaison Jim McDonnell – Beck also believes in Bratton’s famous “broken glass” and gang intervention policies. But Bratton, like LA Sheriff Lee Baca, has a lesbian sister so there has been some sense that LA’s two top cops at least have some understanding of LGBT issues. We don’t know Beck, other than a few initially favorable comments after Beck was selected. However, if his meeting with me is any indication, he’s off to a good start as a promising LGBT ally. What a long way from Ed Davis and Daryl Gates. Beck is expected to receive unanimous confirmation from the LA City Council this morning.

The Los Angeles Times reported this morning that LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa picked Deputy Police Chief Charlie Beck to replace Bill Bratton, who stepped down as LAPD Chief on Saturday.

Villaraigosa will make the formal announcement around 11:00am from Getty House – which will probably be broadcast live. Click inside to read reaction – including openly gay Police Commissioner’s apparent confirmation of Beck as Villaraigosa’s choice.