LAPD Chief Beck To Face Public's Comments In Bid For Second Term

WESTCHESTER (CBSLA.com) — Southland residents will get their chance Wednesday to weigh in on Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck's bid to lead the department for a second five-year term.

Tonight's meeting at the Westchester Senior Center is the first in a series of public meetings about Beck, who submitted a letter to the Police Commission last month officially seeking a second term and touting his leadership through what he called "toughest financial era since the Great Depression".

In the letter, Beck said under his leadership, the LAPD has undergone "tremendous progress" since he was appointed in November 2009, including a reduction in crime and gang activity and the completion of federal consent decree requirements, but warned "there is much more to be accomplished."

Police Commission President Steve Soboroff told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO he is satisfied with the job Beck has done and favors a second term, but he still wants to hear from the chief.

"That doesn't mean this process won't add to that and ultimately affect the way we go," Soboroff said.

The Los Angeles Police Commission, whose five members are the LAPD's civilian bosses, has until Aug. 20 to respond to Beck's request.

Tonight's meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the Westchester Senior Center. Another meeting will be held Thursday at the AGBU Manoogian- Demirdjian School in Canoga Park, followed by a third meeting July 8 at the Lincoln Heights Senior Center.

Comments can also be sent by email to reappointment@lapd.lacity.org or mailed to the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners, 100 W. First St., Room 134, Los Angeles, California 90012.

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