History of the Los Angeles Police Department

With more than 10,000 officers, the Los Angeles Police Department is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the U.S. The LAPD intrigues many because of its association with film and popular culture, as well as the part the force played in major historical events, such as the L.A. riots of the late 20th century. The real history of the force is much more interesting than what is seen on television and shows how the leadership of a few good men can create a successful organization that serves a population of nearly 4 million.

First Los Angeles Police Force

During the mid-19th century, Los Angeles was home to only about 1,500 residents. As gold prospectors from the Sierra Nevada reached the region, a dangerous number of gambling halls and saloons were established. This small town, not yet incorporated, began to average one murder every day. Though there were several attempts at creating a law enforcement system, all failed because of corruption and lack of funds for enforcement. By 1869, residents had had enough and donated money to help form a police department and set up headquarters. Six officers were hired, led by City Marshall William Warren, who were responsible for collecting taxes and protecting the public, through gambling still went unregulated. By 1876, the City Council had formed the first board of police commissioners and created the role of police chief. Officers were assigned uniforms but had to buy their own badges for $6.

LAPD at theTurn of the Century

Even with an established police force, officers had trouble maintaining law in the city because of the large number of saloons and gambling establishments. From 1876 to 1889, 15 police chiefs were hired and quickly resigned because of the city's lawlessness. Finally, in 1889, Police Chief John Glass brought a sense of order and leadership to the police force. He led for 11 years, organizing the first recruit-training programs and setting up standards for police behavior that are still in use today. During the first part of the 20th century, the police force was increased from 70 officers to 200, though even this number of men was woefully inadequate against the town's growing population of 100,000. In 1918, the department added two automobiles to its force. Deemed the "Flying Squad," they were used to track down fleeing criminals.

1920s

The 1920s was a period of corruption coupled with improvements in the force. As Prohibition took hold, Los Angeles was known as a "wide-open town." Mobsters and bootleggers all but took over the city, controlling both politicians and the police force. Some police leaders tried hard to keep the force neutral. During a 15-month period in the 1920s, 100 of the city's 1,200 officers were fired for corrupt practices. By 1920, a system of merit recognition and pay scales were created to encourage honest, hard work among officers.

Reform and Growth

During the 1930s, the force implemented several technologies to fight crime. Led by Police Chief Roy Steckel, the department added an air patrol, a detective branch and the most advanced police radio system in the world. By this time, the force was equipped with 44 patrol cars, all with two-way radios to allow contact with headquarters. After the force faced another bout with corruption in 1938, the city's mayor set in place standards that ensured offending officers were swiftly removed from the force. He also forced the resignation of city officials who took part in corrupt police practices. Since then, the LAPD has never faced the corruption with which it was saddled in the early 20th century.

Growth and Leadership

In 1950, Police Chief William Parker was appointed. He served for 16 years, longer than any other chief before or since. To this day, he is considered an LAPD legend and the ideal police chief. He ran the department strictly, streamlined procedures, and was a pioneer in narcotics enforcement and dealing with changes brought about by the civil rights movement. His successor, Ed Davis, is credited with developing a strong neighborhood-watch program that complemented the police force. It was also during Davis' tenure that police dogs were added as well as undercover drug-prevention programs in schools.