LAPD Chief Gates

Los Angeles, California -- 1996

Daryl Gates was respected, if not beloved, by the police force throughout his 14 years as LAPD Chief of Police and even beyond his death on April 16, 2010 at age 83. He was an inspiring figure who created DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) to educate children about the dangers of drug abuse, and originated SWAT teams (Special Weapons and Tactics) in order to deal with hostage rescue and extreme situations involving armed and dangerous suspects.

His paramilitary approach took criticism, though a strong hand was effective at maintaining peaceful 1984 Olympic Games and an uneventful visit by Pope John Paul II. However, the end of his career was marred by controversy over the Rodney King beating and subsequent riots, and this finally led to his resignation in 1992.

In the years following his departure from the police department, Daryl Gates continued to be an honored guest at many officer retirement parties. While performing with my band at these LAPD events, I could easily see how much his former officers revered him. My cop friends shared that Gates created an incredibly supportive, family-like environment for the officers that served under him. Though the public often viewed the police with disdain, Gates boosted their self-esteem as honorable members of an elite team protecting the public.

This sense of belonging, acknowledgement of personal achievement and support by peers is the environment that attracted me to apply to become an LAPD police officer. I was hired under Gates' successor, LAPD Chief Williams, which is a story worth telling!

For more about LAPD Chief Daryl Gates, visit www.lapdonline.org.