L.A. Area Chamber Statement on Mayor's Selection of Charlie Beck as New Los Angeles Chief of Police
November 3, 2009 8:00 am
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce applauds Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for moving quickly to replace former Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton and salutes his candidate, Deputy Chief Charlie Beck.
“Deputy Chief Beck is a proven leader who was integral in former Chief Bratton’s efforts to restore public trust in the department,” said Gary Toebben, President & CEO, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. “The L.A. Area Chamber urges the City Council to move quickly in the coming weeks and ratify the Mayor’s selection.”
Beck, a 32-year veteran, was involved in rehabilitating the infamous Rampart Division, which had been at the center of a corruption scandal. Beck is well-recognized by police and civic leaders alike for blending a tough stance on crime with a progressive approach to community relations.
The Chamber was a strong supporter of former Chief Bratton and looks forward to working with Beck and the department in continuing to lobby for federal investments for public safety and supporting local gang reduction programs.
###
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of business in L.A. County. Founded in 1888, the Chamber promotes a prosperous economy and quality of life in the Los Angeles region. For more information, visit www.lachamber.com.