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Mayor Villaraigosa and police chief-nominee Charlie Beck came out of Getty House at 11:06 a.m. The police commission and other invited guests are gathered in front of the residence on Irving Boulevard in Windsor Square. In his remarks, Villaraigosa said he talked to civil rights activists, business leaders and people in law enforcement before picking Beck, "a progressive police reformer...a man of character and integrity....tough on crime." Beck's wife is a retired Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy, his daughter is an officer in Hollywood division, his son graduates soon from the academy. The mayor also praised the other two finalists, Jim McDonnell and Michel Moore, as great candidates.
"Today we begin a new chapter in the story of reform at the LAPD," Villaraigosa said.
Beck took the mic at 11:14: "It's a beautiful morning....I'm thrilled by my new role....I am humbled by my selection in this process."
I'm humbled by the quality of the other candidates....My team is not the same as his [Bratton's], but it is made of the same cloth.
This is not just a job for me. This is who I am....I know the ghosts and the glory of this police department's past....
Cops count. Character counts.
Beck choked up talking about his family ties to the LAPD, and noting that his son will graduate from the academy on Dec. 4.
Villaraigosa Q-A: If Bratton had applied up against these three candidates, it would have been close....Villaraigosa said he made the decision after prayer and deep reflection...
More endorsements: City Council president Eric Garcetti commends the choice, saying, "Charlie Beck embodies the new era of LAPD. He represents the future, but connects us with the best of our past." The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce "urges the City Council to move quickly in the coming weeks and ratify the Mayor’s selection.” Previous endorsements
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Photo: CBS 2