For Immediate Release

Contact: Eric Rose (805) 624-0572 or
Paul Haney (626) 755-4759

Los Angeles, November 3, 2009 -- Paul M. Weber, President of the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL), issued the following statement upon learning that Deputy Police Chief Charlie Beck has been selected as the city's 56th Chief of Police:

"We commend Mayor Villaraigosa for an excellent selection. Chief Beck is a consummate professional and his 32 years of experience with LAPD, both as an officer and a Deputy Chief, make him well suited for this important leadership position.

"Chief Beck will serve the city well. In our conversations with him, we have emphasized the concerns of the rank-and-file police officers as well as the community, and we are confident he will be responsive to the needs of both. We reaffirm our pledge to work with the new Chief and his command staff to continue improving the Department and combating crime.

"We're confident that Chief Beck has the leadership skills to uphold the LAPD's position as one of the nation's premier law enforcement agencies. His deep roots in the Department start with his father, who was an LAPD Deputy Chief, and extend to two of his children, who are also LAPD officers. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, having started his career as an LAPD Reserve Officer before going full time and working his way up to Deputy Chief."

About the LAPPL Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com