This is a significant day in the history of our city and our department.

On behalf of the 9,900 dedicated men and women police officers of this great city, the Los Angeles Police Protective League extends our heartfelt congratulations to Charlie Beck on his nomination for Chief of Police.

We commend Mayor Villaraigosa for a making an outstanding selection and look forward to Chief Beck’s swift confirmation by the Los Angeles City Council. His leadership will serve the city well at a most challenging time in its history.

Chief Beck began his highly impressive career as an LAPD Reserve Officer in 1975 before going full time two years later and working his way up to Deputy Chief. Currently the Chief of Detectives, Chief Beck commands all specialized detective divisions including Robbery Homicide, Gang and Narcotics, Vice, Commercial Crimes and Juvenile Division. He has spent much of his career working to reduce gang violence, beginning with early stints in LAPD’s CRASH Unit.

Chief Beck’s deep ties to law enforcement and the LAPD start with his father, George Beck, who retired from the Los Angeles Police Department as a Deputy Chief in 1980. His wife of 25 years is a retired deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. His daughter is currently assigned to the Hollywood Area as a patrol officer and, after his likely confirmation by the city council, he will preside over a Los Angeles Police Academy graduation ceremony in December of 2009 – a class of new officers that will include his son. Who better to understand the concerns of the rank and file than a Chief with two children on the job?

We know Chief Beck well. We know we can work with him in a spirit of cooperation and trust, and look forward to rolling up our sleeves and getting to work to take the LAPD to new heights of greatness in the years ahead.