Beck era begins at LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department entered a new era Tuesday with the City Council's unanimous, 14-0, confirmation of Charlie Beck as the city's 55th chief of police.Daily News.

Beck, 56, was immediately sworn in by council President Eric Garcetti and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, allowing him to succeed former Chief Bill Bratton, who resigned two weeks ago to take a private-sector job. A public swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Dec. 3.

A 32-year veteran of the department, Beck was selected by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to take over a department that has expanded to more than 10,000 officers while the crime rate has shrunk for seven consecutive years.