LA mayor to announce pick for new police chief

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is expected to announce his choice for the next leader of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Calling it possibly the most important decision he'll make as mayor, Villaraigosa is set to name his pick from a field of three finalists at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

The announcement comes days after William Bratton, who headed the LAPD for seven years, stepped down to take a private sector job.

The three finalists are: First Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell, and deputy chiefs Charlie Beck and Michael Moore.

Villaraigosa's pick is subject to confirmation by the City Council.

Bratton, who is credited with playing a pivotal role in the LAPD's turnaround, unexpectedly left the department three years before the expiration of his second, five-year term.