L.A. Area Chamber Statement on L.A. City Council Confirmation of Charlie Beck as New Police Chief
November 17, 2009 8:00 am
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce applauds Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the Los Angeles City Council for their swift movement in appointing Charlie Beck as the new Los Angeles Chief of Police.
“We congratulate Chief Beck on his confirmation and pledge him the support of the business community as we work together to assure that Los Angeles is the safest metropolitan city in America,” said Gary Toebben, President & CEO, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. “We applaud the progress made under Chief Bill Bratton and look forward to a continued close relationship between the LAPD and the businesses and neighborhoods of Los Angeles under Chief Beck’s leadership.”
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.
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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.