LAPD Announces Promotions/Movement Of Command Staff

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton today announced the promotion and re-assignment of several members of his Command Staff.

“As several members of the current LAPD Command Staff announce their retirements, I will have the opportunity to promote many dedicated and qualified individuals to take their place,” said Chief Bratton.  “Along with the promotion will be changes in Command for other staff officers.  Over the coming months I will announce a re-structuring of the Department’s Organizational chart and more promotions.”

Promoting to Deputy Chief and being assigned to Commanding Officer West Bureau, is Commander Terry Hara. Commander Hara is currently the Department’s Employee Relations Administrator (ERA) for the Chief of Police. Commander Hara joined the LAPD in February 1980. Commander Hara is the first Japanese American to achieve the rank of Commander on the LAPD and now will become the Department’s first Asian American to achieve the rank of Deputy Chief.   He was first introduced to law enforcement as a Police Explorer Scout with the Long Beach Police Department. As a result of his continued interest in law enforcement, he applied and was accepted to the LAPD. He has held numerous positions and worked various assignments within the Police Department. Commander Hara is past president of the Japanese American Optimist Club of Los Angeles, a civic organization and Vice President of the Nisei Week Foundation.

Deputy Chief Charlie Beck, Commanding Officer Operations-South Bureau will become the new Chief of Detectives. Beck replaces Deputy Chief Gary Brennan who will be retiring in March 2008.  Chief Beck was appointed to the Department in March 1977 after serving two years in the Los Angeles Police Reserve Corps.  As Deputy Chief of the LAPD’s Detective Bureau, Beck will be a direct report to Chief Bratton.  As Chief of Detectives, Beck will have line command of the Detective Bureau and functional responsibilities for detective operations Citywide.

Taking Beck’s place as Commanding Officer Operation-South Bureau is Deputy Chief Kenny Garner. Deputy Chief Garner is currently Commanding Officer of West Bureau. He was appointed to the Los Angeles Police Department on June 6, 1977. He has over twenty years of supervisory experience and spent many years as a police officer in assignments in South Bureau including Southwest Area, 77th Street Area and Southeast Area.  As a Captain, Garner was  Commanding Officer 77th Street Area.

The promotion and transfers will become effective in March 2008.

This news release was prepared by LAPD Media Relations Section.  For more information contact MRS personnel at 213-485-3586.