Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck announced late last week that he is stepping down early, ending an eight-year term and a career in the force of over 40 years.
The chief made the announcement during a news conference with Mayor Eric Garcetti addressing the status of the city’s crime. The Los Angeles Times said insiders have speculated for a while that the chief would retire before the end of his final term.
“Serving the citizens of Los Angeles for over 40 years has been the honor of a lifetime,” he tweeted on the day of his announcement. “Leading the men and women of the #LAPD- my family – has been a privilege I never thought I’d be worthy of.”
During his appointment as Police Chief, Beck faced major moments in Los Angeles, including the 1992 L.A. riots and the Rampart corruption scandal. Chief Beck said the department was ready for “fresh eyes.” His last day in office is June 27, his 65th birthday.
“I plan on working every day until that day as the Chief of the greatest law enforcement agency in the country,” he added on Twitter.