185-662: The Compton Police Department was the municipal law enforcement agency for the city of Compton, California until it was disbanded by the City Council in September 2000. The Compton City Council then contracted with the County of Los Angeles for law enforcement services provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department . Since the dissolution of the department, there have been repeated unsuccessful efforts to re-establish
370-401: A Red Squad to combat labor unions; headed by Capt. William F. Hynes, the squad arrested hundreds participating in strikes. In March 1928, Christine Collins reported her nine-year-old son, Walter, missing. Five months later a boy named Arthur Hutchins came forth claiming to be Walter; when Mrs. Collins told the police that the boy was not her son, she was committed to a mental institution under
555-541: A 21-year veteran of the LAPD, was appointed chief. To address some of the complaints by the Human Rights Commission, one of Rouzans first acts was to restructure the department, creating three commander posts. The three commanders oversaw administrative services (records, communications, the jail), special services (narcotics, vice, intelligence, personnel) and community services (patrol, gang, robbery, traffic). In 1979,
740-524: A Commander, the office comprises four bureaus and 21 police stations, known officially as "areas" but also commonly referred to as "divisions". The Office of Operations also has a dedicated Homeless Coordinator reporting directly to the Assistant Chief. The 21 police stations are grouped geographically into four command areas, each known as a "bureau". The latest areas, "Olympic" and "Topanga", were added on January 4, 2009. The Office of Special Operations
925-424: A Section 12 internment. It was later determined that Walter had fallen victim to a child rapist/murderer in the infamous Wineville Chicken Coop Murders , and Arthur Hutchins admitted that he had lied about his identity to meet his favorite actor, Tom Mix . The widely publicized case was depicted in the 2008 film Changeling . When Frank L. Shaw was elected mayor in 1933, he reappointed Davis as police chief, and
1110-446: A coordinated crackdown: the police identified primarily-Mexican American communities, cordoned them off with blockades, and carried out mass searches and arrests. The police detained hundreds of Mexican Americans before indicting 22 for murder. Twelve of the defendants were charged with murder and incarcerated; all convictions were later overturned. Members of the LAPD were accused of participating in anti-Mexican American violence during
1295-400: A formal hearing in late August 1975, the city personal board began to conduct hearings. Testimony during the hearings included allegations of cheating on promotion tests, and that Cochee offered "little active support" in the ensuing investigation. After more than twenty hours of hearings, Cochee was formally reinstated in September. The board discounted many of the charges by Lim, upholding only
1480-416: A heart attack in 1952 while in office. Under Potter, the department consisted of seventeen officers and was divided into three major activities: traffic regulation and control, criminal investigation and patrol. The majority of the force of the department was assigned to patrol activity. Two-way radio communication was expanded to include motor officers and fire equipment. A full-time radio technician maintained
1665-513: A high-speed car pursuit on March 3, 1991. After seven days of jury deliberations , the jury acquitted all four officers of assault and acquitted three of the four of using excessive force. The evening after the verdict, thousands of people in the Los Angeles area rioted for over six days following the verdict. Widespread looting , assault , arson , and murder occurred, and property damages totaled one billion dollars. In all, 53 people died during
1850-477: A history of police brutality , corruption , misconduct and discriminatory policing within the LAPD. In 2001, the United States Department of Justice entered into a consent decree with the LAPD regarding systemic civil rights violations and lack of accountability that stretched back decades; following major reforms, the decree was lifted in 2013. The first police force specific to Los Angeles
2035-560: A large black population, in 1930 there was only one black resident. From the 1920s through the early 1940s, the Compton area was home to a sizable Japanese American population, a large proportion of whom were farmers. Shortly after President Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066 in February 1942, Compton residents of Japanese descent were forcibly removed from their homes and interned for the duration of World War II. Most were initially detained at
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#17328771532942220-580: A living other than the rapid exhaustion of gold fields. Originally named Gibsonville, after one of the tract owners, it was later called Comptonville. However, to avoid confusion with the Camptonville located in Yuba County , the name was shortened to Compton. Compton's earliest settlers were faced with terrible hardships as they farmed the land in bleak weather to get by with just the barest subsistence. The weather continued to be harsh, rainy and cold, and fuel
2405-508: A majority of the African-American members leaving the CPOA and forming their own group, The Guardians. Both African-American and Caucasian officers of the department made allegations of racism. Sixty-three of the 135 officers of the department were African America (47%), while 71% of Compton identified as black. Officers stated that the makeup of the CPOA did not accurately of effectively represent
2590-544: A member of its team establishing a new police agency. After three years in Irvine, Carrington returned to Compton as a police commander. In 1980, three successive promotions saw him become Director of Police services, Assistant Chief of Police, then Chief of Police. In 1983, in an effort to alleviate an overpopulated workspace for the department staff and to save money, Compton decided to close their jail. While people charged with felonies and serious misdemeanors were already jailed in
2775-423: A pistol range, laboratory, photograph dark room, evidence and records vaults and classrooms. The structure cost approximately $ 750,000, and the lead architect was Marion J. Varner, noted for his civic and police building designs. In 1962, Officer Dess Kingsley Phipps was killed in a vehicle pursuit of two suspects wanted in an armed robbery. According to records, "Another vehicle struck Officer Phipps's patrol car at
2960-481: A police force. The City of Compton is a Los Angeles area middle-class suburban community and dubbed the Hub City because it is 11 miles from Los Angeles and as many miles from Long Beach Harbor. The city police was founded in 1888, when the city of Compton became incorporated . City of Compton police served the city of Compton and areas outside of its city limits such as the community of Willowbrook . Three days after
3145-418: A policy that officers would have to turn on the cameras whenever they arrest or detain someone for interrogation and that many public interactions such as domestic violence interviews would not be recorded. Prior to the rollout of any body worn cameras, officers were able to carry personally owned audio recording devices since 1994 if they filed an application and obtained the requisite permission. As of 2023,
3330-455: A program that tries to give cadets a solid foundation in life and to help them prepare for careers by offering services such as tutoring and college scholarships. The cadets complete courses not only on law enforcement but also on citizenship, leadership, financial literacy and other different skill sets. Cadet's work positions include ride-alongs , crowd control, charity assistance, and working in stations. The cadet program has posts at all of
3515-436: A recording in which he referred to Mexican Americans as not being far from "the wild tribes of Mexico"; in the 1960s, he claimed that "by 1970, 45% of the metropolitan area of Los Angeles will be Negro" and that the city should support a strong police force because "if you don't, come 1970, God help you"; he described Black participants in the 1965 Watts riots as acting like "monkeys in a zoo". The Los Angeles Police Department
3700-489: A restraining order prohibiting "activities which would constitute a work stoppage or otherwise inhibit the providing of police services". Officers and the city agreed to postpone talks of the raise until March 1972. In total four officers were fired for engaging in the "blue flu", they were later rehired. By the mid-1970s, Compton residents vocally complained about rising crime rates, feeling as if they were "under siege". Resident Dr. Earnest Smith noted "That doesn't mean just by
3885-544: A result, homicides and assaults were greatly reduced. The program ended after two years, with violent crime rates returning to their previous levels. On July 1, 1992, John Daniels Jr., 36, a tow truck driver, was fatally shot by LAPD Officer Douglas Iversen as he was driving away from a service station in South Central. Iversen was charged with second-degree murder , the first officer to ever be charged with murder for an on-duty shooting. Two separate juries were deadlocked on
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#17328771532944070-572: A shotgun, and around 200 rounds of ammunition. Harper was also found to have literature related to the Black Panther Party , however his possible involvement was unknown to law enforcement. Police believe that Harper was attempting to bomb the station and that he miscalculated the timing of the device. Harper's motives are unclear as he died in the explosion, but the LA Times noted "Tommy Harper, who never used to fight back, apparently thought he found
4255-448: A simple solution to a complex problem". In 1971, Compton Officers rejected a proposed four percent wage increase and initiated a "work slowdown". Stating that they wanted an 11% raise to match LASD deputies, the officers engaged in "professionalization" of their work. This entailed exhaustive work on even the most trivial cases, tying up resources while ostensibly still engaged in their work. They stated that by July 15 they would initiate
4440-467: A speech writer; and he introduced the department's first press office. These efforts were seen as tied to his efforts to curry public favor and extend the reach of officers of the LAPD. Bloody Christmas was the name given to the severe beating of seven civilians under LAPD custody on December 25, 1951. The attacks, which left five Hispanic and two white young men with broken bones and ruptured organs, were only properly investigated after lobbying from
4625-415: A study was released that found that non-English-speaking callers to the 911 and non-emergency response lines often receive no language translation, often receive incomplete information, and sometimes receive rude responses from police employees. The issue of a lack of multilingual officers led to reforms including bonuses and salary increases for officers who are certified in second languages. Currently, over
4810-564: A subsidiary of Arden Group, Inc., a holding company, is also based there. Compton is surrounded by multiple freeways that provide access to destinations throughout the region. The Long Beach and Los Angeles Ports are less than 20 minutes from downtown Compton, providing access to international destinations for customers and suppliers. The Alameda Corridor , a passageway for 25% of all U.S. waterborne international trade, runs directly through Compton from north to south. The City of Compton's Parks and Recreation Department operates and maintains
4995-482: A third of LAPD officers are certified in speaking one or more languages other than English. The department also uses a device called the phraselator to translate and broadcast thousands of prerecorded phrases in a multitude of languages, commonly used to broadcast messages in different languages from police vehicles. LAPD patrol officers have a three-day 12-hour and four-day 10-hour workweek schedule. The department has over 250 types of job assignments, and each officer
5180-410: A total area of 10.1 square miles (26 km ). 10.03 square miles (26.0 km ) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km ) of it (1.03%) is water. Compton is bordered by the unincorporated Willowbrook on the north and northwest, the unincorporated West Compton on the west, the city of Carson on the southwest, the unincorporated Rancho Dominguez on the south, the city of Long Beach on
5365-433: A total of 16 playgrounds for a combined 118 acres (48 ha) of active park space. Facilities include six community centers, seven neighborhood parks, two walking parks, two competition-size swimming pools, three regulation size gymnasiums, a skate park, Jackie Robinson Baseball Stadium, Nine-Hole Par 3 Golf Course, and the two-story 29,641 square feet (2,800 m ) Douglas F. Dollarhide Community Center. Some episodes of
5550-579: A traffic officer, plainclothesman and detective. After resigning and going into business, he returned to police work in 1924, joining the Compton, California, force. He became chief of the Compton Police Department and was involved in the "War of the Chiefs", along with his replacement, Thomas J. Potter. Both men claimed to be the legal chief of police between 1935 and 1936. West died in 1962. Potter served as Chief of Police for almost 19 years, dying of
5735-702: Is a city located in the Gateway Cities region of southern Los Angeles County, California , United States, situated south of downtown Los Angeles . Compton is one of the oldest cities in the county, and on May 11, 1888, was the eighth city in Los Angeles County to incorporate. As of the 2020 census , the city had a total population of 95,740. It is known as the "Hub City" due to its geographic centrality in Los Angeles County. Neighborhoods in Compton include Sunny Cove, Leland, downtown Compton, and Richland Farms. The Spanish Empire had expanded into this area when
Compton Police Department - Misplaced Pages Continue
5920-770: Is an office that was created in 2010 by then-Chief Charlie Beck . Headed by an Assistant Chief, the office comprises the Detective Bureau, the Counterterrorism and Special Operations Bureau, the Transit Services Bureau, and the Strategic Planning Group. The Detective Bureau also houses the COMPSTAT (Computer Statistics) Division which maintains crime data. COMPSTAT is based on the NYPD CompStat unit that
6105-454: Is eligible for such assignments after two years on patrol. LAPD patrol officers almost always work with a partner, unlike most suburban departments surrounding the City of Los Angeles, which deploy officers in one-officer units to maximize police presence and allow a smaller number of officers to patrol a larger area. The department's training division has three facilities throughout the city, including
6290-490: Is home to the Compton Cricket Club , the only all American-born exhibition cricket team. Its founder, Ted Hayes, said, "The aim of playing cricket is to teach people how to respect themselves and respect authority so they stop killing each other." Tam's Burgers has been seen as a symbol of the city. Angeles Abbey Memorial Park contains examples of Byzantine , Moorish and Spanish architectural styles. The cemetery
6475-511: Is known as the home of many famous rappers. The Compton Swap Meet is featured prominently in the remix version of the 1995 #1 song California Love . Championed by the Compton Entertainment Chamber of Commerce, the city of Compton honored Musical Entertainer rapper Eazy-E, aka, Eric Lynn Wright with a symbolic street in his stage name. On November 22, 2023, the 100 block of Auto Drive South, which runs off Alameda Street and into
6660-511: Is lined with green space. The complex provides space for about 2,300 workers, which let the department consolidate functions here which had been spread out across multiple locations. Up to the Gates administration, the LAPD was predominantly white (80% in 1980), and many officers had resided outside the city limits. Simi Valley , the Ventura County suburb that later became infamous as the site of
6845-514: Is the department's police explorer program. The program was formerly called the Explorer Program but was changed in 2009 after the police commission broke off its partnership with the Boy scouts over policies barring homosexuals, atheists, and agnostics from being troop leaders. The cadet program shifted focus from an old explorer program that tried to guide members to a career in law enforcement, to
7030-625: Is the highest law enforcement medal awarded to officers by the Los Angeles Police Department. The Medal of Valor is an award for bravery, usually awarded to officers for individual acts of extraordinary heroism performed in the line of duty at extreme and life-threatening personal risk. In a 2020 survey of Los Angeles residents, two-thirds said they believe the department is doing a good job maintaining public safety, while 88% supported community policing, 82% supported an unarmed response model, and 62% supported redirecting some money from
7215-709: The Christopher Commission and it is exempt from civil service and reports directly to the Board of Police Commissioners. The current Inspector General is Mark P. Smith, who was formerly the Constitutional Policing Advisor for the LASD. The OIG receives copies of every complaint filed against members of the LAPD as well as tracking specific cases along with any resultant litigation. The OIG also conducts audits on select investigations and conducts regular reviews of
7400-673: The Downtown Los Angeles Civic Center district. It was demolished in 2019. The Police Administration Building, also known as the New Parker Center, replaced the original Parker Center in October 2009. It is located at 100 West 1st Street, also in the Civic Center, occupying the entire block between Main, Spring, 1st, and 2nd streets, immediately south of Los Angeles City Hall . Daniel, Mann, Johnson & Mendenhall were
7585-606: The Ford Police Interceptor Sedan , Chevrolet Impala , Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Tahoe / Suburban , among an assortment of other models. Police motorcycles are primarily the BMW R1200RT-P and Harley-Davidson FLHP . The LAPD SWAT's primary vehicle is the Lenco BearCat . In the early 1980s, the LAPD obtained two Cadillac Gage Commandos from the U.S. Department of Energy, in preparation for security for
Compton Police Department - Misplaced Pages Continue
7770-736: The Kimber Custom TLE II as their sidearms in 2002, renaming it the Kimber LAPD SWAT Custom II. As of 2014, SWAT's primary weapons were the Heckler & Koch HK416 , M4 carbine , and FN SCAR rifles; the Colt 9mm and HK MP5 submachine guns; the Armalite AR-10 , Remington 700 , Barrett M82 , and M14 sniper rifles; and the Benelli M4 and Remington 870 shotguns. After World War II,
7955-603: The LAPD Air Support Division . Main airship missions are flown out of Hooper Heliport , located near Union Station . The LAPD also houses air units at Van Nuys Airport . Beginning in September 2013, the LAPD started a trial program for the use of body-worn cameras with 30 officers in the Skid Row area. Reports from the trial program indicated that the cameras functioned well and that they assisted in deescalating situations although there were some technical issues with
8140-520: The LASD to expand the program countywide. In 2022, Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority 's Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count counted 644 homeless individuals in Compton. Mexican was the most common ancestry according to the 2000 census. Mexico and El Salvador were the most common foreign places of birth in 2000. In 1994, Compton was designated as an "Entrepreneurial Hot Spot" by Cognetics, Inc., an independent economic research firm. Compton made
8325-576: The Metropolitan Division , Air Support Division , and Major Crimes Division under the Counterterrorism & Special Operations Bureau. Further offices support the Chief of Police in areas such as constitutional policing and professional standards, while the Office of Support Services covers facilities management, personnel, and training, among other areas. Independent investigative commissions have documented
8510-574: The National Institute of Justice , a branch of the Department of Justice . Before all of the cameras were deployed to patrol officers, the Police Commission created a policy that governs the use of the cameras and video footage while consulting with department and city officials along with outside organizations including other departments who already use body cameras. The commission has created
8695-490: The USPS , and shares the 90221 ZIP Code with Compton. Its sphere of influence is the city of Compton, which has tried to annex East Rancho Dominguez, but business and property owners in the area have opposed the annexation. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program (PEP), updated annually, reported that the City of Compton has a population of 91,988 as of its 2022 estimate. • Owner-Occupied housing unit rate, 2018-2022
8880-480: The Zoot Suit Riots that followed in 1943; despite the LAPD's insistence that the riots were caused by Mexican American crime, there was broad consensus that the riots were the result of racial discrimination. Parker, who served as chief of the LAPD from August 9, 1950, until his death on July 16, 1966, was frequently criticized for racist remarks, his refusal to acknowledge police brutality, and his demands that
9065-441: The sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air took place in Compton because Will Smith's friend, DJ Jazzy Jeff , lived there. Many rap artists' careers started in Compton, including N.W.A ( Eazy-E , MC Ren , Dr. Dre , Ice Cube , DJ Yella ), Coolio , DJ Quik , 2nd II None , Hi-C , Tweedy Bird Loc , The Game , Kendrick Lamar , YG , Vince Staples , Roddy Ricch , and Compton's Most Wanted . In their lyrics, they rap about
9250-424: The unincorporated community of Rancho Dominguez , located between the cities of Compton, Long Beach and Carson . The tree that marked the original northern boundary of the rancho still stands at the corner of Poppy and Short streets. In 1867, Griffith Dickenson Compton led a group of 30 pioneers to the area. These families had traveled by wagon train south from Stockton, California , in search of ways to earn
9435-501: The " Blue Flu " On July 16, an officer was terminated from the department after he refused an evaluation by the City Physician after calling out as part of the "blue flu". Harkening back to the tumultuous "War of the Chiefs" in the mid-1930s, the city charter allowed only the city manager to terminate officers, and Acting City Manager Berton Wills, as recommended by Chief Ingram, initiated the termination. A Superior Court judge issued
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#17328771532949620-590: The 1943 Zoot Suit Riots . Horrall was replaced by retired United States Marine Corps general William A. Worton , who acted as interim chief until 1950, when William H. Parker succeeded him, serving until he died in 1966. Parker advocated police professionalism and autonomy from civilian administration. However, the Bloody Christmas scandal in 1951 led to calls for civilian accountability and an end to alleged police brutality. In 1965, under Parker, Officer John Nelson and then-Inspector Daryl Gates established
9805-473: The 1980s "biased policing", also known as racial profiling , was commonplace in the department. This policing alienated the department from minority residents and gained the department a reputation of abuse of power and bias against minority residents. A major controversy erupted in 1979 over the shooting of Eula Love by two LAPD officers; no legal consequences befell the officers responsible. Early in his tenure as Chief of Police, Daryl Gates re-instituted
9990-459: The 1990s, corruption, and misconduct within the LAPD were revealed to the public: the 1991 Rodney King beating led to the 1992 Los Angeles riots , while the 1997 Rampart scandal led to the disbandment of CRASH. Also in 1997, outgunned LAPD officers in North Hollywood were locked into a lengthy shootout with heavily armed and armored bank robbers , prompting police armament upgrades across
10175-859: The 1997 North Hollywood shootout , LAPD obtained M-16 rifles and officers were given the option of carrying the Smith & Wesson Model 4506 and 4566 service pistols. When William Bratton was Chief, he allowed officers to carry the Glock , the firearm carried in the two previous departments Bratton led (the New York City Police Department and the Boston Police Department ). The department presents several medals to its members for meritorious service. The LAPD awards medals for bravery, service, unit citations, ribbons for assignment and time-specific service, and marksmanship . The LAPD Medal of Valor
10360-505: The Board of Trustees appointed Everet A. West Police Chief and by minute motion gave him authority over all the city's police officers. This move by the Board effectively removed law enforcement from the political arena. Henceforth, police chiefs would be appointed, not elected as had been the case with City Marshals. Everet A. West joined the Los Angeles Police Department as a patrolman in 1912. For seven years, he served as
10545-549: The CPOA filed a civil rights suit against Cochee and the city's personnel director. The suit alleged "discrimination against non-black police officers and applicants...with respect to employment, promotion or transfer on account of their race". The lawsuit was eventually dropped. Cochee was also noted as being lax in issuing concealed weapon permits, frequently granting them to "persons in the entertainment industry who couldn't get permits elsewhere." Cochee issued between 25 and 50 permits during his tenure, helping Compton to be known as
10730-418: The City Council announcing a plan for restricting the department. At that time, the force consisted of 39 officers and men equipped with ten motorcycles, six radio patrol cars and one three-wheel motorcycle. Compton's sole female police officer, Lucille Stroh, helped the department create a juvenile division in 1952. This division was tasked with working with parents and "juvenile delinquents" to help "determine
10915-572: The Gateway Towne Center shopping plaza was renamed to Eazy Street. Eazy-E grew into the music industry as part the N.W.A group that spawned hip hop icons, such as Easy-E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Mc Ren and many others. In 1988, N.W.A released the colossal hit song Straight Outta Compton, which is the incontestable communicable global catchphrase for the City of Compton. [Eric Lynn Wright, was born September 7, 1964, in Compton, and passed away March 26, 1995.] Many NBA players attended high school in
11100-601: The LAPD began to issue the Smith & Wesson Model 10 . During the 1960s and 70s the department issued the S&;W Model 15 Combat Masterpiece. These guns were modified to fire double-action only. Some specialized units (specifically Motor Officers) were issued the stainless-steel version, the Model 67. In the 1980s, LAPD patrol officers began to be issued the Beretta 92F and Smith & Wesson Model 5906 semi-automatic 9mm pistols. Following
11285-573: The LAPD hired the first female police officer with the power to arrest in the United States, Alice Stebbins Wells . LAPD's first Latina officer, Josephine Serrano Collier , was hired in 1946. On the LAPD through the early 1970s, women were classified as "policewomen". Through the 1950s, their duties generally consisted as working as matrons in the jail system or dealing with troubled youths working in detective assignments. Rarely did they work any field assignment, and they were not allowed to rise above
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#173287715329411470-624: The LAPD issues the FN 509 MRD-LE and Smith & Wesson M&P to all new officers, alongside a variety of Glock, Kimber, Staccato, or Beretta pistols. Officers are also issued long guns, including the Remington 870 and Benelli M4 Super 90 shotguns, as well as Smith & Wesson, Colt, or Bushmaster AR-15 rifles . LAPD also armed with machine guns like the M60 . The LAPD also has riot guns capable of firing 37mm munitions and bean bag rounds . The SWAT used
11655-533: The LAPD was "outwardly racist", and the tenure of police chief Daryl Gates (1978–1992) was marked by "scandalous racist violence" among the LAPD. Following the Rampart Division CRASH scandal of the late 1990s and early 2000s, the United States Department of Justice entered into a consent decree with the LAPD regarding systemic civil rights violations and lack of accountability that stretched back decades, requiring major reforms. The consent decree
11840-502: The LAPD's long-term strategic plan and risk management strategies, and coordinates local, state, and federal government and legislative matters. The majority of the LAPD's approximately 10,000 officers are assigned within the Office of Operations, whose primary office is located in the new Police Administration Building. Headed by an Assistant Chief and the Assistant to the Director, who is
12025-659: The LAPD's regional divisions as well as specialized divisions including the Metropolitan Division and the Communications Division. As of 2014, there were 5,000 cadets. The Office of the Chief of Police has the responsibility of assisting the Chief of Police in the administration of the department. This includes the Chief of Staff, Public Communications, and Employee Relations, as well as the Community Safety Partnership Bureau. The Director of
12210-422: The LAPD. Mayor Richard J. Riordan and the Los Angeles city council agreed to the terms of the decree on November 2, 2000. The federal judge formally entered the decree into law on June 15, 2001. To promote civil rights integrity, the legally binding decree emphasized several areas, including management and supervisory measures, revising critical incident procedures, documentation, investigation and review, revising
12395-490: The LAPD––already considered "nationally notorious" for police corruption––entered a new phase of widespread criminal activity. In 1936, Davis sent members of the LAPD to California's state borders, along Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon, to institute checkpoints blocking the entry of migrants, or "okies" . The police began raids and mass arrests of populations including the homeless and disabled; those taken in by police were given
12580-450: The LASD facility in Carson CA , the new plan saw Compton transporting prisoners to the county facility three times a day. The LASD did not charge Compton for this service as it was covered by taxes, and the move was projected to save Compton $ 185,000 per year. By 1984, the jail had been converted from a 48-hour holding facility to a 6-hour holding facility, with a savings of $ 55,000 per year to
12765-512: The LASD took over local police duties in 1891. By 1906, attorneys Emmett Wilson and E.T. Sherer filed suit to nullify the votes of 1890, and Compton was brought back to the 600 acre size it was at the time of incorporation. With the return of local government in late 1906, a slate of candidates for the Board of Trustees (the People's Ticket) was voted in without opposition. H.J. Mayo, the candidate for City Marshal, served until sometime in 1907, when he
12950-606: The Los Angeles Police Academy ( Elysian Park ), Ahmanson Recruit Training Center ( Westchester ), and the Edward Davis Training Center ( Granada Hills ). From spring 2007 through the spring of 2009, recruits could earn money through sign-on bonuses ranging from $ 5,000 to $ 10,000. Those bonuses ended in 2009. Sign on bonuses were paid 1/2 after graduation from the academy, and 1/2 after completion of probation. $ 2,000 could be added for sign-ons from outside
13135-533: The Los Angeles area for housing arrangements. As of July 2009, recruits earned starting salaries of $ 56,522–61,095 depending on education level and began earning their full salary on their first day of academy training. In January 2010, the starting base salary for incoming police officers was lowered by 20%. At the time If applicants had graduated from high school their starting salary would be $ 45,226, if they had at least 60 college units, with an overall GPA of 2.0 or better, their salary would start at $ 47,043, and if
13320-487: The Marshal and other elected officials agreed to donate four months' salary to make up a budget deficiency so that the city could purchase four fire hydrants. In 1890 Compton voters decided to shed large portions of the city, dropping in size from approximately 600 acres to 80 acres. As a result of this dramatic decrease in size, there were only five registered voters living within the boundaries of Compton. With so few residents,
13505-780: The Metropolitan Division's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, the first such unit in American law enforcement, as well as the Special Investigation Section , a highly-secretive tactical stakeout unit. That same year, the Watts riots were sparked by police abuse. In the 1970s and 1980s, street gangs became a growing issue in Los Angeles; in response, the LAPD established the Community Resources Against Street Hoodlums (CRASH) gang intelligence unit in 1979, conducting Operation Hammer in 1987. In
13690-564: The Mexican American community. The internal inquiry by Chief Parker resulted in eight police officers being indicted for the assaults, 54 being transferred, and 39 suspended. In 1962, the controversial LAPD shooting of seven unarmed members of the Nation of Islam resulted in the death of Ronald Stokes, and led to protests of the LAPD led by Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam. In the 1970s and into
13875-577: The Most Dangerous City in America by Bruce Henderson . "Crime in Compton had reached the unbearable level. The law-abiding residents of Compton lived in homes with bars on windows and double locks on doors. They felt as though they had been imprisoned while the criminals roamed free." That grim, foreboding assessment was made in 1975 by the Los Angeles Grand Jury (headed by a black foreman for
14060-454: The Office of Constitutional Policing and Policy, currently Police Administrator III Lizabeth Rhodes, reports directly to the Office of the Chief. This office was created as a result of the Department of Justice's federal consent decree. It develops the LAPD's policies and procedures, conducts internal auditing and programs to ensure compliance, handles litigation, forms and ensures compliance with
14245-470: The Police Commission, is a five-member civilian body that oversees the LAPD. The Chief of Police reports to the board and the rest of the department reports to the chief. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is an independent part of the LAPD that has oversight over the department's internal disciplinary process and reviews complaints of officer misconduct. It was created by the recommendation of
14430-483: The Santa Anita Assembly Center; they were later transferred to and incarcerated at Manzanar and other internment centers, called "Relocation Centers." In the 1950s, middle-class black families began moving into the area, mostly on the west side. Compton grew quickly throughout the decade. This is partially due to its proximity to Watts , where there was an established black population. The eastern side of
14615-530: The United States". Compton's violent reputation reached the national spotlight in the late 1980s with the rise of local gangsta rap groups Compton's Most Wanted and N.W.A , the latter of whom released the album Straight Outta Compton in 1988. The city became notorious for gang violence , primarily caused by the Bloods and Crips . After years of decline in crime, Compton's murder rate skyrocketed in 2004 with racial conflicts between Blacks and Latinos. 2005
14800-654: The United States, after the New York City Police Department and the Chicago Police Department . The LAPD is headquartered at 100 West 1st Street in the Civic Center district . The department's organization and resources are complex, including 21 community stations (divisions) grouped in four bureaus under the Office of Operations; multiple divisions within the Detective Bureau under the Office of Special Operations; and specialized units such as
14985-745: The United States. Throughout its existence, the LAPD absorbed numerous smaller police forces in Greater Los Angeles , including the LACMTA Police in 1997 and the Los Angeles General Services Police in 2012. The LAPD has made several attempts to absorb the Los Angeles Airport Police and Los Angeles Park Ranger Division , though all attempts failed or did not proceed, and no mergers have been made since 2012. The Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners , also known as
15170-772: The Viceroy of New Spain commissioned Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo to explore the Pacific Ocean in 1542–1543. In 1767, the area became part of the Province of the Californias ( Spanish : Provincia de las Californias ), and the area was explored by the Portolá expedition in 1769–1770. In 1784, the Spanish Crown deeded Rancho San Pedro , a tract of over 75,000 acres (300 km ), to soldier Juan José Domínguez. Domínguez's descendants partitioned
15355-503: The applicant had fully completed a college degree, the salary would start at $ 48,880. In 2014, after negotiations between the city and the police officers union , an agreement on police officer pay that would give pay increases to nearly 1,000 officers who joined the department since the salaries for incoming officers were cut, was reached. The agreement also raised starting salaries for officers to $ 57,420 with an additional increase to $ 60,552 after six months which would become effective in
15540-694: The architects. The total cost of the new building complex including the data center, the Main Street Parking Structure, and the Aiso Public Parking Garage was $ 437 million. The main building is a 500,000 sq ft (46,000 m ) across 10 floors, a café ("LA Reflections"), underground parking as well as a parking structure, racks for 50 bicycles, and a 400-seat civic auditorium. It is LEED-certified , uses energy-efficient mechanical systems, daylighting, high-performance glass, and recycled or renewable building materials. The perimeter
15725-530: The beginning of 2015. The agreement would also change the current overtime payment system from a deferred payment system, which was implemented to cut costs, to a pay-as-you-go overtime system as well as increase the overtime budget from $ 30 million to $ 70 million. The LAPD operates a wide variety of police cars , primarily the Ford Police Interceptor Utility , Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor , and Dodge Charger , with limited numbers of
15910-438: The cameras along with slight issues with the cameras falling off of officers during movement. In November 2014, the LAPD chose Taser International as the vendor for body cameras to be used by officers after their trial program earlier in the year. On December 16, 2014, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that the city would purchase 7,000 body worn cameras from Taser for use by the department. Patrol officers are now equipped with
16095-506: The cameras, and are required to use these devices while on assignment. 700 of the cameras were deployed to patrol officers in the Central, Mission and Newton patrol areas of the city beginning in January 2015. $ 1.55 million was raised from private donors to start the body camera program for the initial rollout phase in order to ease budget constraints for the city with another $ 1 million coming from
16280-460: The cause behind the act and take corrective measures if needed". William K. Ingram was chief from 1953 to 1973. Under his tenure, the Police Department was organized into six divisions: patrol, jail, detective, traffic division, records, and juvenile. Construction on a new station was started in 1962. This station included requirements for proper detention facilities for juveniles, as well as
16465-494: The charge with 20 out of 24 voting for acquittal of all charges. The case was dismissed by a judge. Daniels' family received a $ 1.2 million settlement after filing a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles riots of 1992, also known as the Rodney King uprising or the Rodney King riots, began on April 29, 1992, when a jury acquitted four LAPD police officers accused in the videotaped beating of Rodney King following
16650-435: The charges of false statements and failure to accept an assignment, also going on to state that termination was "too harsh a penalty". In addition to his contentious relationship with the city council, Cochee also came under criticism for his involvement in the book Ghetto Cops . It was originally published in late 1974, however Cochee requested that the specific details and names be removed. The publisher agreed, and destroyed
16835-418: The city as well. Arron Afflalo attended Centennial High School ; DeMar DeRozan attended Compton High School; and Tayshaun Prince , Tyson Chandler , Brandon Jennings , Cedric Ceballos and the late Dennis Johnson attended Dominguez High. Actor/comedian Paul Rodriguez Sr. also attended Dominguez High. Although an inner suburb of Los Angeles, Compton has seen an increase of middle-class residents in
17020-465: The city was predominantly white until the 1970s. Despite being located in the middle of a major metropolitan area, thanks to the legacy of Griffith D. Compton, there still remains one small pocket of agriculture from its earliest years. During the 1950s and 1960s, after the Supreme Court declared all racially exclusive housing covenants (title deeds) unconstitutional in the case Shelley v. Kraemer ,
17205-416: The city's hosting of the 1984 Summer Olympics. They were used as battering rams to breach structures and buildings inhabited by hostile occupants. They saw action in the 1997 North Hollywood shootout , but have since been retired. The LAPD's aircraft consists of 19 helicopters ("airships")—5 Bell 206 Jet Rangers and 14 Eurocopter AS350-B2s —and 1 Beechcraft King Air 200 . LAPD aircraft are operated by
17390-515: The city, stating "...when it is mentioned the Sheriff's Department is on the way, they [gang members] run like rats". In a press conference in November 1984, Carrington responded to the charges from the city council about the performance of the department. The council alleged that police officers were "rude, ineffective, poorly led and insensitive to citizen complaints", and that "drugs are blatantly sold on
17575-586: The consent decree was extended by six years, as U.S. District Court Judge Gary Feess found that the LAPD had not implemented the reforms that it had committed to. The federal oversight of the LAPD was lifted in 2013. On July 10, 2005, while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, Jose Pena took his 19-month-old daughter, Suzie, hostage in his home. After police arrived, Pena threatened to kill her and himself after firing at others earlier. SWAT officers were called in. After negotiations to try and release Pena's daughter were unsuccessful, four SWAT officers entered
17760-478: The constitutionality of the vehicle, and the California Appellate Court later ruled the vehicle was unconstitutional, violating lawful search and seizure. In 1988, African American baseball sportscaster and retired Baseball Hall of Fame player Joe Morgan was detained at Los Angeles International Airport by LAPD and L.A. Airport Police officers after being falsely identified as a drug dealer. He
17945-435: The department had 128 sworn officers, with an additional 14 out on long-term leave or disability, a ratio that was noted as being higher than average. This deficit was highlighted by the city having to lay off employees the previous year to balance the budget, an action that saw further strife and contention between the department and the city, along with continued questions about the departments ability to function. Rouzan left
18130-448: The department to community initiatives. There were differences of opinion along racial lines, with three in five white and Asian residents and one in three black residents trusting the LAPD to "do what is right". Over the years, the Los Angeles Police Department has been the subject of several scandals, misconduct, and other controversies. According to one study, during the lengthy tenure of William H. Parker as police chief (1950–1966),
18315-527: The department's Internal Affairs, the team leader, Captain Thomas Elfmont, directed his men to "hit" the apartments "hard", to "level" them, and to leave them "uninhabitable". The police detained 37 people, making seven arrests. They found six ounces of marijuana and a small amount of cocaine. The seven were beaten by the police and at the police station forced to whistle the theme to The Andy Griffith Show . Those who refused to comply were beaten again. Nobody
18500-412: The department. Gang crime continued to escalate, with residents complaining loudly to the City Council in a 2-hour city council meeting in October 1984 that they felt like "prisoners in their own homes". Councilmember Robert Adams believed that Chief Carrington needed to be replaced, and many residents agreed. Some members of the council and citizens believed that the LASD should assume policing duties for
18685-419: The department. The Caucasian officers of the CPOA then threatened to sue the city for alleged "discriminatory acts" by the department and by the Chief. Cochee responded that there was lack of support for him "from white racist police officers. There are some white officers on our Police Department who don't give a damn about black people in general, nor do they care...for the residents of Compton". In March 1976,
18870-533: The development of a risk management system; the creation of a field data capture system to track the race, ethnicity or national origin of the motorists and pedestrians stopped by the department; the creation of an Ethics Enforcement Section within the Internal Affairs Group; the transfer of investigative authority to Internal Affairs of all serious personnel complaint investigations; a nationwide study by an independent consultant on law enforcement dealing with
19055-418: The disciplinary system to ensure fairness and equality. As well as overseeing the LAPD's disciplinary process, the Inspector General may undertake special investigations as directed by the Board of Police Commissioners. The LAPD's Art Theft Detail "is the only full-time municipal law enforcement unit in the United States devoted to the investigation of art crimes ." The longtime head and often sole member of
19240-472: The early 1920s, was a member of the Ku Klux Klan . James E. Davis served two terms as LAPD police chief, heading the department from 1926 to 1929 and from 1933 to 1938. During his first term as chief, Davis called for violence against criminals while leading a Prohibition vice squad, and the department was known for controversies including accusations of conspiracy, blackmail, and murder. Davis also formed
19425-657: The easiest place in the Southland area to get a permit. A study by the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations, provided to Cochee in March (and made public in July), called into question his abilities to lead the department. It cited a loss of "...control of the department personnel", and that "...detectives use time to plan against the chief". The study went on to note that officers reported racism "between individuals"
19610-443: The eighth highest crime rate in the country. Compton experienced a drop in homicide in the late 1990s and 2000s. Crime has stabilized overall since the 2010s. The decrease in homicides has been attributed to various factors, including changing demographics, faster response times by police (reducing shots fired) and better medical care (increasing survival rates). Aja Brown , mayor elected in 2013, helped to settle turf wars between
19795-426: The end of the year, Compton was down to only eighty acres of land, with five remaining voters residing within that territory. Due to the limited number of people able to fill positions within the city government, Compton effectively ceased to exist as a functioning city. By 1906, lawyers Emmett Wilson and E.T. Sherer filed suits to nullify the 1890 elections, which in turn restored Compton to a size of 600 acres. Compton
19980-502: The equipment and built all new transmitters and receivers, and all radio equipment was in the process of being converted to ultra high frequency range for elimination of interference. During the war period, the department worked without adequate manpower. The increase in the city's population during and shortly after the war required the police personnel to almost double in size in 1940. The increase in activity and number of personnel necessitated re-organization. These efforts culminated with
20165-591: The first black families moved to the area. Compton's growing black population was still largely ignored and neglected by the city's elected officials. Centennial High School was finally built to accommodate a burgeoning student population. A black man first ran for City Council in 1958, and the first black councilman was elected in 1961. In 1969, Douglas Dollarhide became the mayor, the first black man elected mayor of any metropolitan city in California. Two African Americans and one Mexican-American were also elected to
20350-534: The first time) to sum up the critical situation faced by what was termed "the most crime-infested city" in the U.S. What was most dismaying was that Compton was 99 per cent non-white with a black mayor and a black police chief. More than any place in the nation, the California city dramatized the growing concern of blacks about black crime and how to stop blacks from victimizing other blacks. When asked what he hoped to accomplish as Compton's police chief, Cocheé replied, "By 1985, we want to change Compton's image and make it
20535-601: The force going on to become the first black officer to obtain the rank of commander and the first black station commander, leading the Southwest Division. As of 2019, the LAPD had 10,008 sworn officers. Of these, 81% (8,158) were male and 19% (1,850) female. The racial/ethnic breakdown: The LAPD has grown over the years in the number of officers who speak languages in addition to English. There were 483 bilingual or multilingual officers in 1974, 1,560 in 1998, and 2,500 in 2001 who spoke at least one of 32 languages. In 2001,
20720-501: The force, was the victim of a car bomb. During the trial that followed, LAPD captain Earl Kynette was found guilty of Raymond's attempted murder; Davis acknowledged that he had known Raymond was under police surveillance. In the late 1930s, the LAPD engaged in widespread racial profiling of Mexican Americans . The LAPD and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department used the 1942 " Sleepy Lagoon murder " of José Gallardo Díaz to justify
20905-431: The force. In 1886, the department hired its first two black officers, Robert William Stewart and Roy Green. The LAPD was one of the first two police departments in the country to hire an African-American woman officer, Georgia Ann Robinson in 1919. Despite this, the department was slow at integration. During the 1965 Watts riots , only 5 of the 205 police assigned to South Central Los Angeles were black, even though it
21090-437: The gangs, which has further reduced the homicide rate. The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department began the annual "Gifts for Guns" program within that same year where the citizens of Compton were given the option to turn in firearms and receive a $ 50–$ 100 check for various goods in an effort to combat gun violence . People have turned in about 7,000 guns over the last few years, KABC-TV reported. The program's success has prompted
21275-443: The government was unable to support itself with enough people to occupy various positions, and the city quietly stagnated with limited or no local governance. This effectively ceased all policing activities by the city, with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) stepping in to fill the gap. Due to the lapse in governance between 1891 and 1906, records do not show when Marshal Willits left office. He most likely served until
21460-523: The gross of fines above $ 10. Apparently, this arrangement was viewed as being biased in favor of the officers because the city soon found itself in its first recorded contract negotiations with the motorcycle policemen. On April 14 that same year, an agreement was reached whereby the officers were to receive $ 6 from each $ 10 fine and $ 7.50 from each fine over $ 15 until further notice. In 1916, A.E. Kenoyer became Marshal, replacing Stone, who had held office longer than anyone else up to that time. In 1920, Kenoyer
21645-502: The home and, during a gunfight, both Mr. Pena and his infant daughter were shot and killed by SWAT team members. One officer was shot and wounded by Pena. Suzie Pena's death was the first death of a hostage ever in LAPD SWAT history and the LAPD was criticized for their actions. An independent board of inquiry later cleared the SWAT officers of any wrongdoing. A judge later dismissed a lawsuit by
21830-488: The initial 20,000 copies printed, eventually releasing 40,000 copies with substitutions. Many people in Compton took exception to the portrayal of the city in the book, as well as the unfettered department access Cochee afforded the authors. Turmoil within the department did not cease with the reinstatement of Cochee. Racial tensions boiled over within the Compton Police Officers Association (CPOA), with
22015-452: The intersection of Artesia Boulevard and Wilmington Avenue. The vehicle then struck two other vehicles. A second accident then occurred when another car collided with several cars that were stopped for the first crash. One driver involved in the second accident was also killed. The subjects in the vehicle being pursued fled the scene but were later apprehended. They were charged with murder and burglary." Twenty-three year old Thomas Lige Harper
22200-437: The juvenile gangs, but by the police, politicians and officialdom as well". Residents felt caught between violent criminals and oppressive policing, with "racial undertones" permeating the city. Statistics from the early 1970s paint a dire image of crime in Compton, with the city ranking at the top of the crime per capita of the nation. Inextricably linked in residents minds with the rising crime were concerns and complaints against
22385-545: The land amongst family members, sold parcels to newly arriving settlers, and relinquished some when validating their legal claim with the Mexican government at 48,000 acres (190 km ) in 1828, and with the United States government through a patent validating 43,119 acres (174.50 km ) in 1858. The Domínguez family name is still applied throughout the area, including the Dominguez Rancho Adobe historical landmark, in
22570-412: The last few years, due to its affordable housing. With the influx of immigrants and the demographic shift in ethnic population, it was after the 2000 U.S. Census that Latinos were recognized as the majority. Compton has evolved into a younger population; the median age of people living in Compton was 25 at the time of the census survey in 2010; the United States average at the time was 35.3. Compton
22755-442: The local school board. Four years later, in 1973, Doris A. Davis defeated Dollarhide's bid for re-election to become the first female black mayor of a metropolitan American city. By the early 1970s, the city had one of the largest concentrations of African Americans in the country, at over sixty five percent. In 2013, Aja Brown , age 31, became the city's youngest mayor to date; she was re-elected in 2017. For many years, Compton
22940-497: The management of gang units, revising the management of confidential informants, program development for response to persons with mental illness, improving training, increased integrity audits, increasing the operations of the Police Commission and the Inspector General, and increasing community outreach and public information. Other provisions in the decree called for divisions to investigate all use of force (now known as Force Investigative Division) and conduct audits department-wide;
23125-505: The mentally ill, to help the department refine its system; a study by an independent consultant of the department's training programs; and the creation of an informant manual and database. The Consent Decree Bureau was the LAPD bureau charged with overseeing this process. Until 2009, the commanding officer of the Consent Decree Bureau, a civilian appointed by the chief of police, was Police Administrator Gerald L. Chaleff. In 2006,
23310-498: The national list for best places to start and grow a business, and ranked #2 in Los Angeles County out of a field of 88 cities. The city's Planning and Economic Development department provides a business assistance program consisting of a comprehensive mix of resources to small business owners and entrepreneurs. The grocery chains Ralphs and Food 4 Less , subsidiaries of Kroger , are headquartered in Compton. Gelson's Market,
23495-604: The newly incorporated cities of Artesia , Bellflower , Cerritos , Paramount and Norwalk in the late 1950s. These nearby cities remained largely white early on, despite integration . This white middle class flight accelerated following the 1965 Watts Riots and the 1992 Los Angeles riots . By the late 1960s, middle-class and upper-middle-class African Americans found other areas to be more attractive to them. Some were unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County such as Ladera Heights , View Park and Windsor Hills , and others were cities such as Inglewood and Carson . Carson
23680-476: The next few years. By 1969, it had the highest crime rate in the state of California. In Black, Brown, and White: Stories Straight Outta Compton , Lynne Isbell and two friends from other ethnic backgrounds have written about their lives growing up in Compton during the 1960s and early 1970s. They tell how Compton changed from a mostly white town to a mostly black one and became known as "the Murder Capital of
23865-406: The office of the Chief in 1979 and was appointed City Manager. James L. Carrington was the first black chief to rise through the ranks. He began his law enforcement career in 1960 with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department . In 1962, he joined the Compton Police Department. He left Compton Police Department as a lieutenant after serving 13 years when he was selected by the City of Irvine to be
24050-450: The officers admitted his crime. Ovando was released, and in 2000, was paid $ 15 million for his injuries and imprisonment. The officers' actions led to the exposure of the Rampart scandal . By 2001, the resulting investigations would lead to more than 75 officers being investigated or charged, and over 100 criminal cases being overturned, due to perjury or other forms of misconduct, much based on
24235-526: The official date of incorporation of the city on May 14, 1888 at the first meeting of the Compton Board of Trustees, the board recognized the need for a local law enforcement agency. Asbury McComas, owner of a local livery stable, was named to the post. Two weeks later on May 28, the Board of Trustees established the first committee on police matters and set the City Marshal's salary at $ 100 annually. McComas
24420-482: The option of leaving California or serving a 180-day jail term. The so-called "bum blockade" ended after significant negative publicity, including a suit filed by the ACLU in federal court. By 1937, the LAPD was leading a vast intelligence operation wiretapping politicians, judges, and federal agents. Some records of police surveillance were taken under subpoena after Harry Raymond, a former officer investigating corruption in
24605-588: The plea-bargain testimony of Perez. Following the Rampart scandal, the United States Department of Justice entered into a consent decree with the LAPD regarding systemic civil rights violations and lack of accountability that stretched back decades. Many in the LAPD resisted federal oversight and proposed reforms but entered into a consent decree when the DOJ threatened to sue the city and take complete control over
24790-513: The police not be subject to the same laws as citizens; the last of these contributed to ongoing conflicts with the FBI, with the agency refusing to train LAPD officers until after Parker's death. Parker adopted the rhetoric of Los Angeles as the " white spot " of America, first popularized by Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler , and explicitly set it against the "black picture" of the nation. The Los Angeles City Council once confronted him with
24975-655: The population) lived in households, 643 (0.7%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 112 (0.1%) were institutionalized. There were 23,062 households, out of which 13,376 (58.0%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 10,536 (45.7%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 6,373 (27.6%) had a female householder with no husband present, 2,354 (10.2%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,725 (7.5%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships , and 158 (0.7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships . 2,979 households (12.9%) were made up of individuals, and 1,224 (5.3%) had someone living alone who
25160-443: The population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 42,175 people (43.7%) lived in rental housing units. During 2009–2013, Compton has a median household income of $ 42,953, with 26.3% of the population living below the federal poverty line. Following the Watts riots in 1965, crime in Compton rose sharply. Although the city was largely exempt from the destruction of the 1965 riot, it prompted middle-class residents to flee over
25345-678: The primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household. • 83.1% of the residents in Compton, CA are U.S. citizens. The 2010 United States Census reported that Compton had a population of 96,455. The population density was 9,534.3 inhabitants per square mile (3,681.2/km ). The racial makeup of Compton was 31,688 (32.9%) Black ; 24,942 (25.9%) White , (0.8% Non-Hispanic White); 655 (0.7%) Native American ; 292 (0.3%) Asian ; 718 (0.7%) Pacific Islander ; 34,914 (36.2%) from other races ; and 3,246 (3.4%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 62,669 persons (65.0%). The Census reported that 95,700 people (99.2% of
25530-503: The rank of sergeant. A lawsuit by a policewoman, Fanchon Blake, in the 1980s, instituted court-ordered mandates that the department begin actively hiring and promoting women police officers in its ranks. The department eliminated the rank of "policeman" from new hires at that time along with the rank of "policewoman". Anyone already in those positions was grandfathered in, but new hires were classified instead as "police officers", which continues to this day. In 2002, women made up 18.9% of
25715-468: The report also presaged the future by recommending the city consolidate their emergency services (both police and fire) with the County of Los Angeles. Thomas W. Cochee, chief from 1973 to 1976, was a former Los Angeles County Sheriff's sergeant. In addition to being Compton's first black chief, he was the first to be appointed in the state of California. As a veteran of law enforcement and as an educator, Cochee
25900-422: The request was granted. The officers were to be employed part-time for a 30-day period effective January 17. Their pay was set a 50 percent of all fines they collected, minus recorder's fees. Records show that L. J. Grout became City Marshal sometime in 1911 and resigned that same year. He was succeeded by J.W. Stone. On February 21, 1911, the board voted to pay the officers $ 6 from each $ 10 fine and 50 percent of
26085-468: The residents the opportunity to work the land for their families. The 1920s saw the opening of the Compton Airport. Compton Junior College was founded and city officials moved to a new City Hall on Alameda Street. On March 10, 1933, a destructive earthquake caused many casualties: schools were destroyed and there was major damage to the central business district. While it would eventually be home to
26270-402: The riots. On October 12, 1996, LAPD Officers Rafael Pérez and Nino Durden entered the apartment of Javier Ovando . They shot Ovando in the back, paralyzing him from the waist down. They then planted a gun on the unarmed Ovando to make it appear he had attacked them. The two officers then perjured themselves. Ovando was sentenced to 23 years in custody based on their testimony. Later, one of
26455-431: The safest city in the state." In August 1975, Cochee was "temporarily" moved from his position by the city manager as Chief to a "special assignment" to "evaluate federal programs pertaining to police", for a period of no more than 90 days. The town council noted that there were charges against the chief that "are too serious to be brought up here". A few days later Cochee made his own allegations that his temporary removal
26640-601: The services of the Compton Police, including slow (or none-existent) response time, lack of access to senior police officials, and police brutality. In 1973, the department (and the city) were faced with multiple lawsuits over police misconduct, all of which the department and chief vehemently denied. In addition to mounting concerns over crime in Compton, a 1974 Grand Jury Report released a report on six southeastern California jail facilities with significant problems, including Compton. Among concerns over Compton's jail facilities,
26825-399: The southeast, the city of Paramount and the unincorporated East Compton on the east, and by the city of Lynwood on the northeast. East Compton , also known as East Rancho Dominguez , is a mostly industrial unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP). The population was 15,135 according to the 2010 Census . East Rancho Dominguez is an accepted city name according to
27010-519: The start of the Civil Service, this force was increased to 200. In 1910, LAPD Officer Alice Stebbins Wells became the first sworn female police officer in the United States. Officer Georgia Ann Robinson , hired in 1916, was the first African-American female police officer. Severe corruption issues within the LAPD and the rest of the city government lasted until the 1940s. In 1933, the Reserve Unit
27195-478: The state trial that immediately preceded the 1992 Los Angeles riots , has long been home to a large concentration of LAPD officers, most of them white. Hiring quotas began to change this during the 1980s, but it was not until the Christopher Commission reforms that substantial numbers of black, Hispanic, and Asian officers began to be hired onto the force. Minority officers can be found in both rank-and-file and leadership positions in virtually all divisions. In 1910
27380-408: The streets and their lives in Compton and the areas nearby. Steve Lacy and Blues musician Keb' Mo' are also from Compton. Compton has been referred to on numerous occasions in gang affiliation, gangsta rap and g-funk songs, especially in the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, and so has attained an association not only with gang violence and crime, but with hip hop music as well. The city
27565-443: The streets". Carrington retorted "I'd rather fly with the eagles of this department than flounder with the turkeys who are going to try to bring us down". He went on to stated "It's taken me almost four years to reach (this point)…purging those (officers) who should not have been here in the first place and changing some of the attitudes of those who want to remain...I'm not going to say to you that none of our officers are rude...look at
27750-450: The track record on (officer) discipline". Carrington refused to resign as some on the City Council demanded, citing confidence and support of his officers. Carrington's 21 years of service with the City of Compton concluded with his retirement on October 7, 1985. In late 1985, narcotics officer Theodore Brown pleaded guilty to the theft of six grams of cocaine during the execution of a search warrant. Compton, California Compton
27935-471: The unit is Detective Don Hrycyk, who in 2014 was described as being a 40-year veteran of the department with twenty years as the only known full-time art detective in the United States. According to the LAPD, the unit has recovered over $ 121 million in stolen works since 1993. The Art Theft Detail is part of the Burglary Special Section of the Detective Bureau of the LAPD. The LAPD Cadet Program
28120-543: The use of the chokehold (placing an arm or flashlight over someone's throat) to subdue suspects. In 1982, this technique was used and led to the death of James Mincey Jr. Following Mincey's death, the Police Commission barred the use of chokeholds by officers unless in a life-threatening situation. An investigation found that sixteen people had died after being restrained by police chokeholds. In 1986, Officer Stephanie Lazarus killed her ex-boyfriend's new wife. Despite
28305-437: The victim's father's insistence that Lazarus should be a suspect in the homicide, she was not considered by the police and the case went cold. In the 2000s, detectives revisiting cold cases deduced that Stephanie was a suspect. DNA evidence led to her arrest and conviction. Also in 1986, the department purchased a 14-ton armored breaching vehicle, used to smash quickly through the walls of houses of suspects. The ACLU questioned
28490-579: The worsening safety problems and, after the 1992 riots in the Los Angeles metropolitan area , many African Americans left the city. Although U.S. News & World Report did not list Compton in the 2011 "11 Most Dangerous Cities" for overall crime rates in the United States, the CQ Press , using data from the FBI's annual report of crime statistics "Crime in the United States 2010," which ranked Compton as having
28675-421: Was 28.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.7 males. There were 24,523 housing units at an average density of 2,424.0 units per square mile (935.9 units/km ), of which 12,726 (55.2%) were owner-occupied, and 10,336 (44.8%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.9%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.9%. 53,525 people (55.5% of
28860-519: Was 36.8 per 100,000 residents, a decrease from the mid-2000s peak. Guns are used in the vast majority of homicides in Compton. Between 2000 and 2016, 91.5% were killed with guns compared to the national average of 67.7%. In 2015, there was a record low of 15 homicides while the homicide rate in the rest of the US increased. In recent years, homicides have increased while remaining well below the 1980s and 90s, with 32 in 2021. The neighborhood lost residents with
29045-437: Was 57.4% • Median Value of Owner-Occupied Housing Units, 2018-2022 was $ 489,400 • Households and Persons Per Household, 2018-2022 was 24,617, and 3.83 per household • Median Household Income, 2018-2022 was $ 69,728 None of the households in the City of Compton, CA reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only
29230-441: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.15. There were 19,263 families (83.5% of all households); the average family size was 4.41. The age distribution of the population was as follows: 31,945 people (33.1%) under the age of 18, 11,901 people (12.3%) aged 18 to 24, 26,573 people (27.5%) aged 25 to 44, 18,838 people (19.5%) aged 45 to 64, and 7,198 people (7.5%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
29415-502: Was a much sought-after suburb for the black middle class of Los Angeles. This past affluence is reflected in the area's appearance: Compton's streets are lined with relatively spacious and attractive single family houses. However, several factors have contributed to Compton's gradual decline. One of the most significant factors was a steady erosion of its tax base, something that was already sparse due to limited commercial properties. In later years, there were middle-class whites who fled to
29600-469: Was an issue, that Cochee needed to "take control firmly and make his own decisions regardless of pressures and intimidations from political forces" and that he must "lead decisively, swiftly and fairly". It also went on to note that issues with racism frequently stemmed from the competing fraternal organizations (the CPOA and The Guardians). Shortly after the public release of the report, Cochee submitted his resignation as chief. In 1976, Joseph T. Rouzan, Jr.,
29785-516: Was asked to resign over questions of license and dog tax fees in early 1889, however he was reappointed in 1892 after F.H. Carson was unable to qualify for the position. C.W. Lyman replaced McComas and the Marshal's salary was raised to $ 15 per month plus 10 percent of the dog tax. An entry to the minutes of the board of trustees for July 22, 1889 shows that Marshal Lyman was paid $ 1.95 for "taking care of an intoxicated woman." In 1890, G.F. Willits replaced Lyman as City Marshal. Sometime that same year,
29970-454: Was built in 1923 and survived the 1933 Long Beach earthquake . Los Angeles Police Department The Los Angeles Police Department ( LAPD ), officially known as the City of Los Angeles Police Department , is the primary law enforcement agency of Los Angeles, California , United States. With 8,832 officers and 3,000 civilian staff, it is the third-largest municipal police department in
30155-512: Was chaired by attorney Warren Christopher and was created to examine the structure and operation of the LAPD. The commission found that there were a significant number of LAPD officers who used excessive force and that the disciplinary structure was weak and ineffective. Fewer than a third of the suggested reforms were put into place. To reduce drive-by shootings , LAPD initiated Operation Cul-de-Sac in 1991. This consisted of installing barriers on residential streets to block vehicle traffic. As
30340-517: Was charged with a crime. The city paid four million dollars to settle the matter. On September 4, 1988, LAPD officers raided the home of Roger Guydon looking for drugs. They found nothing. In 1991, Guydon won a $ 760,000 lawsuit against the city. In April 1991, the Christopher Commission was formed in the wake of the Rodney King beating, by the then-mayor of Los Angeles Tom Bradley . It
30525-628: Was created from the merger of the Counterterrorism and Criminal Intelligence Bureau with the Special Operations Bureau in 2010. The Transit Services Bureau supervises the Transit Services Group and the Traffic Group, responsible for overseeing the four Geographical Traffic Divisions. Before 2009, LAPD headquarters was located at Parker Center , named after former chief William H. Parker, which stood at 150 N. Los Angeles St. in
30710-473: Was created in 1994 by former LAPD Chief William Bratton , while he was still a NYPD Police Commissioner . He implemented the LAPD version on becoming Chief of Police in 2002. The Counterterrorism and Special Operations Bureau provides the Los Angeles Police Department specialized tactical resources in support of operations during daily field activities, unusual occurrences, and, especially, during serious disturbances and elevated terrorism threat conditions. It
30895-474: Was difficult to find. To gather firewood it was necessary to travel to mountains close to Pasadena . The round trip took almost a week. Many in the Compton party wanted to relocate to a friendlier climate and settle down, but as there were two general stores within traveling distance—one in the pueblo of Los Angeles , the other in Wilmington —they eventually decided to stay put. By 1887, the settlers realized it
31080-472: Was formed, tasked with crime suppression; it would later evolve into the Metropolitan Division. In 1946, the top-secret Gangster Squad was formed to combat the American Mafia and Los Angeles crime family . During World War II , under Clemence B. Horrall , the overall number of personnel was depleted by the demands of the military. Despite efforts to maintain numbers, the police could do little to control
31265-527: Was forwarded to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, who in turn forwarded the petition to the State Legislature. On May 11, 1888, the city of Compton was incorporated with a population of 5000 people. The first City Council meeting was held on May 14, 1888. In 1890, a series of votes were held by the residents of Compton, with the aim of shedding significant portions of the city. By
31450-818: Was founded in 1853 as the Los Angeles Rangers, a volunteer force that assisted the existing Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD). The Rangers were soon succeeded by another volunteer force, the Los Angeles City Guards. Neither the Rangers nor the Guards were particularly efficient, and Los Angeles became known for its violence, gambling , and vice . The first paid force was created in 1869 when six officers were hired to serve under City Marshal William C. Warren . By 1900, under John M. Glass , there were 70 officers, one for every 1,500 people. In 1903, with
31635-450: Was hired as the first full-time salaried motorcycle officer. He was paid $ 175 per month. Hecock would later become a Captain in the department, and serve as acting chief of the department during the War of the Chiefs in March of 1936. Effective July 17, 1923, the salary of the City Marshal was also set at $ 175 per month. J.O. Burris became Marshal in 1922 and served until February 27, 1923, when
31820-420: Was killed when a bomb he was carrying exploded outside of the Compton Police station. Harper had several minor run-ins with law enforcement, and at the time of the bombing was wanted on a bench warrant for failing to adhere to his probation for marijuana possession. A search of his apartment turned up three sticks of dynamite, three sticks of plastic explosives, several lengths of pipe, three pistols, two rifles and
32005-473: Was lifted in 2013. The executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California stated that the decree "accomplished its purpose by and large" and that the department "has made serious culture changes", but cautioned against backsliding and said there was more work to be done regarding racial disparities and treatment of the homeless. Louis Oaks , chief of the LAPD in
32190-520: Was not integrated until the 1960s. Early in his tenure as police chief, Parker launched an extensive public relations campaign for the LAPD. In the 1950s, he was a credited consultant for police procedural drama Dragnet , even offering the show departmental support in providing case examples and fact-checking; he popularized the term " thin blue line " in both his speeches and in a TV show he conceived and produced for Los Angeles NBC network KNBC ; he hired Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry as
32375-449: Was offered the job by the city because "...they wanted someone who represented a blend of law and order and community relations awareness." He and his family lived in a Compton apartment, eventually hoping the entire police force would be made up of Compton residents. The city of Compton, the police department and Cochee were the subject of a 1974 book entitled Ghetto Cops: On the Streets of
32560-471: Was particularly significant, because it had successfully thwarted attempts at annexation by neighboring Compton. The city opted instead for incorporation in 1968; notably, its black population was actually more affluent than its white population. As a newer city, it also offered more favorable tax rates and lower crime. According to the United States Census Bureau 's 2020 data, the city has
32745-452: Was reborn, with elections held to fill open positions. The ample residential lots of Richland Farms gave residents enough space to raise a family, and food to feed them, along with building a barn, and caring for livestock. The farms attracted the black families who had begun migrating from the rural South in the 1950s, and there they found their 'home away from home'. Compton could not support large-scale agricultural business, but it did give
32930-516: Was related to a conspiracy by the City Council to create a "West Coast gambling mecca" in Compton, however this statement was based only on rumors and conjecture. Cochee was subsequently fired from his position as chief in mid-August 1975, on the grounds of "insubordination, willfully making false statements to the press and failure to follow personal rules and regulations". Cochee's second in command, Manual Correa stepped in as temporary chief. Acting City Council Manager Daniel Lim stated that this action
33115-559: Was released when the LAPD realized their mistake. The city cleared the detective of wrongdoing, but Morgan subsequently filed a civil suit against both the LAPD and the city for the unlawful detention; the lawsuit was settled in 1993, and Morgan was awarded $ 800,000 by the Los Angeles City Council. On August 1, 1988, as part of Chief Gates' Operation Hammer directed against gangs, SWAT teams raided four apartments at 39th Street and Dalton Avenue. According to an investigation by
33300-412: Was succeeded by Charles G. Davidson and in 1921, the Marshal was authorized to place a red light at the front of the police station, possibly to signal patrol officers to check the station for calls. In June of that same year, the city's first salaried part-time motorcycle officer, Claude Bonta, was hired. He was paid $ 1 per hour and was to work not less than 20 hours per week. On March 7, 1922, Ray Hecock
33485-592: Was succeeded by Howard Peck. Peck was replaced sometime in 1906 by W.J. Davis, who served until 1911. On April 7, 1908, the Marshal's pay had been raised to include 1.5 percent of all taxes collected by him as ex officio City Tax Collector. On July 7, 1909, Marshal Davis was authorized to purchase two handbooks on street law. Effective June 7, 1910, the Marshal's salary was raised to $ 15 per month plus 10 percent of license money and 15 percent of dog tax money collected. On January 3, 1911, Davis asked to Board of Trustees for authority to hire motorcycle officers. Two weeks later,
33670-434: Was taken "unilaterally", without "any direction from the City Council". Lim maintained that Cochee should have followed procedures of filing a complaint with the city personnel board, rather than an unauthorized press conference. Yet again reminiscent of the "War of the Chiefs", the police department and city council were at odds with each other. Residents of Compton were also divided on Cochee's removal. After Cochee requested
33855-400: Was the city's deadliest year on record when the city murder rate reached 72 killings with a total population of 90,000 residents. The spike was the highest since 1991, when the city had more than 100,000 residents. The rise in homicides frightened residents who had long lived with high levels of gang violence but had seen a downturn in violent crime in recent years. In 2013, the homicide rate
34040-443: Was the largest black community in Los Angeles. Los Angeles' first black mayor, Tom Bradley was a former LAPD officer and quit the department after being unable to advance past the rank of lieutenant like other black police officers in the department. When Bradley was elected mayor in 1972, only 5% of LAPD officers were black and there was only one black captain in the department, Homer Broome. Broome would break down racial barriers on
34225-400: Was time to make improvements to the local government. A series of town meetings were held to discuss incorporation of their little town. Griffith D. Compton donated his land to incorporate and create the city of Compton in 1889, but he did stipulate that a certain acreage be zoned solely for agriculture and named Richland Farms. In January 1888, a petition supporting the incorporation of Compton
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