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LAPD History
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Police Commission was formed
Citizens requested that the city council appoint a detective force whose duties would be to search out crime and watch suspicious persons. In December 1874, the unit was established with Emil Harris and George E. Gard being appointed the first detectives on the Los Angeles police force. -
First Black Officer
After being freed from slavery because of the civil war Robert William Stewart, went to Los Angelos where he was hired as the city's first black police officer. This also made him the first black officer in the entire United States. -
First Police Woman with Arresting Powers
Alice Stebbins Wells was appointed as the nation's first female policewoman with arrest powers. -
First Fingerprint
The first fingerprint record system was introduced. -
First Asian-American Officer
Officer Lung Yep was appointed by Chief Sebastian. He was the first Chinese police officer and this made him the first Asian-American police officer in the Department's history. -
Black Dahlia
One of the most infamous crimes in Los Angeles history occurs, the "Black Dahlia" murder. Members of the Detective Bureau investigated the murder of Elizabeth Short, who was also known as the Black Dahlia.
(It remains unsolved) -
Ian Campbell and Karl Hettinger
Ian Campbell and Karl Hettinger, stopped a pair of armed ex-convicts. During the officers’ investigation, one of suspects was able to gain an advantage over Campbell and demanded the surrender of both officers’ revolvers. After turning over their handguns both officers were loaded at gunpoint into a car and driven to a secluded area. Campbell was shot in the face. Officer Hettinger was able to escape and contact help. after the incident, the department published its policy on weapon retention. -
The Baldwin Hills Dam Disaster
The dam containing the Baldwin Hills Reservoir suffered a catastrophic failure and flooded the neighborhoods surrounding it. A release of 250 million US gallons resulted in five deaths and the destruction of 277 homes. -
Watts Riots
One of the most violent social upheavals to confront the Los Angeles Police Department.
Lasted seven days with the Los Angeles community of Watts engulfed in rioting and looting, but with the help of other law enforcement agencies and the California National Guard, rioting and looting were brought to a halt.
Resulted in 34 people killed, 1,032 injured, 3,952 arrested, and 600 buildings damaged or destroyed. -
Manson Murders
The Manson murders’ investigations began by members of the Detective Bureau. Cold Case Detectives are still investigating unsolved cases, possibly tied to the Manson Family. -
Neighborhood Watch Program Launched
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The "Alphabet Bomber"
At 8:10 am, three people were killed and 36 others were injured when a bomb planted in a locker of Pan American World Airlines in the Overseas Passenger Lobby at LAX exploded.
The attack was perpetrated by 37-year-old immigrant Muharem Kurbegovic, who was arrested two weeks after the bombing. He was nicknamed "The Alphabet Bomber" because of his alleged plan to attack places in an order that would make an anagram of Aliens of America. -
First Female Captain
The Department's first female captain was Connie Speck -
D.A.R.E
Chief Gates knew that in order for the Department to gain control over the growing drug problem on the streets a new approach was needed and it was called DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education). Designed to teach elementary school children to say no to drugs.
DARE was the first program of its kind to be developed by a law enforcement agency in the United States. -
Arrest of Richard Ramirez
The arrest of Richard Ramirez, the Night Stalker, ended weeks of terror. In 1989, Ramirez received the death sentence for 13 counts of murder -
The North Hollywood Shootout
Two heavily armed men wearing body armor burst into a Bank. By chance, two LAPD officers drove by the bank and spotted them. A gun battle ensued between the bank robbers and LAPD officers and it was seen and heard around the world, broadcast live on television.
Of the 12 police officers and eight civilian bystanders who were injured, none were killed. By the time it was over, the two robbers were dead. -
Website Launched
The Department’s website, LAPDOnline, was launched. -
First African-American Female Captain
Ann Young was appointed to the rank of captain making her the first African-American female to achieve this rank. -
First Female Assistant Chief
Sharon Papa became the first female to attain the rank of Assistant Chief. -
First Female SWAT Officer
Officer Jennifer Grasso became LAPD's first female SWAT officer.