NCJ Number
211963
Date Published
2005
Length
128 pages
Annotation
This book presents a pictorial history of the Los Angeles Police Department from the 1800s to 2005.
Abstract
According to the introduction, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) “is the most praised, criticized, and misunderstood police department in the world.” Over the span of 150 years, the LAPD has progressed from being the most corrupt police department in America to being the most professional. Its history began in 1850 when California was established as the 31st State and the City of Los Angeles was incorporated. In 1869, the police force evolved from a volunteer organization to a city department with paid positions. Chief John Glass, who was appointed chief in 1889, was responsible for the organizational development of the LAPD, including the first timekeeping system and the division of the city into four distinct police districts to enhance the supervision of personnel. After a long period of politically charged appointments and periods of corruption, the LAPD undertook dramatic reform efforts in the years following 1938. From 1950 to 1966, Chief William Parker infused the LAPD with standards of professionalism, modern management systems, and improved efficiency. Chief Parker is credited with single-handedly initiating department-wide racial desegregation. In 1991, the Rodney King incident marred the reputation of the LAPD, which was subsequently pummeled into adopting new systems of accountability. The photographs offered in this book tell the story of the LAPD; narrative descriptions accompany most photographs.