L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa last week introduced his choice for police
chief, Charlie Beck. (photo by Richie Duchon)

Charlie Beck, nominated to be Los Angeles' next police chief, said he would continue the progress former Chief Bill Bratton made but would differ from him by giving divisions more local control.

In a confirmation hearing before the City Council's public safety committee, Beck said the police department could funnel resources through the divisions, giving them and their officers more ownership of their beats.

"When you own a problem, you're responsible not only for that solution, but also the success and failures of that solutions," he said.

For just over two hours, a soft-spoken yet authoritative Beck, 56, defended his philosophy and approach to policing. A confirmation hearing before the full council will likely take place Nov. 17.

Councilman Dennis Zine praised Beck's 32-year career with the LAPD, saying the rank-and-file officers he spoke with all had high esteem toward Beck's management style.

"They don't feel you're disconnected from them," Zine said. "They feel you're down to earth with them."

He added that he "did not envision any problems" getting Beck confirmed by the council.

At the start of the hearing, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said his confidence in choosing Beck to run the nation's third-largest police department goes beyond his experience.

"If there's anything that sets Charlie Beck apart from anyone else, is he is a man of deep character," he said.