LAPD Chief Charlie Beck last month. (Photot: Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)

It's all pomp and pageantry at the LAPD's downtown headquarters this morning, as newly appointed Chief Charlie Beck is sworn in to office -- for a second time.

Beck officially became the department's leader a few weeks ago when the City Council unanimously approved his nomination. Beck took the oath of office in a brief ceremony after the council vote. Today's ceremony is for show and celebration.

In the courtyard outside the LAPD's gleaming new headquarters, elected officials, department brass and a few hundred others milled about waiting for the 10 a.m. ceremony to begin. Against the backdrop of City Hall, mounted police sat atop their horses on First Street, which had been closed to traffic.

The department's band alternated between festive holiday music and traditional police marching tunes. An LAPD helicopter pilot showed off, flying in low circles overhead. A team of bagpipers stood off to the side, waiting to be called on.

Beck, 56, will be sworn in -- as before -- as the 56th LAPD chief by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who selected Beck to replace William J. Bratton.