In a surprise decision, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck announced Friday that he would step down.
As reported by the Los Angeles Times, people in Beck’s inner circle had suspected that he would not finish out his second and final term, but Beck reportedly told his highest-ranking officers about his retirement just minutes before last week’s presser.
Beck joined the LAPD as an officer during the racially charged 90's. He witnessed the L.A. Riots and told the Times that he viewed this era as devastating to the department, a belief that ultimately molded his future policing policies. In 2009, he was appointed Chief by former Mayor-Antonio Villaraigosa. During his tenure, Beck known for having a fatherly demeanor and is credited by some with forging trust between communities and police.
Beck’s last day as chief will be on his 65th birthday, June 27.
Guests:
Frank Stoltze, correspondent at KPCC covering criminal justice and public safety issues; he tweets
Connie Rice, civil rights lawyer and founding co-director of Advancement Project, a public policy legal action group
Craig Lally, president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union that represents LAPD officers
Steve Soboroff, president of the Los Angeles Police Commission