Deputy Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck was named Tuesday to succeed William Bratton, who retired after seven years as LAPD chief.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said he chose Beck, a 32-year veteran of the department, because he "understands the past" and "will lead the charge to make Los Angeles the safest city it can be."

Civil rights activists reacted positively to the appointment because of Beck's record of reforming the department and working with minorities, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Within the department, he is known for rehabilitating the Ramparts Division -- which was rocked by a corruption scandal -- and for heading LAPD operations in South Central. He has a reputation for integrating a tough-on-crime approach to crime with an emphasis on community relations, the Times said.

"I pledge that I will not disappoint this city," Beck said at a news conference where his appointment was announced.

Beck, 56, has a son and a daughter on the force and a sister who has retired from the LAPD. His wife is a retired Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy.

Los Angeles crime rates declined under Bratton, whose last day in office was Saturday.