Los Angeles Police Department Timeline

Forming of Los Angeles Police Department

1869

https://www.zippia.com/los-angeles-police-department-careers-757738/history/

First Black Police Officer in LAPD: Robert William Stewart

1886

Appointed in 1886, Stewart was the first Black officer on the Los Angeles Police force. This video highlights the history of William Stewart. https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-west/human-interest/2020/09/25/the-lost-history-of-robert-stewart--lapd-s-first-black-cop

Lucy Gray became the first Police Matron in 1888, some 32 years before women were given the right to vote.

1888

Lucy Gray became the first Police Matron in 1888, about 32 years before women were given the right to vote. She was somewhat tiny, weighing a scant 100 pounds, Gray was remarkably successful in reforming female offenders and in the prevention of juvenile delinquency. https://www.zippia.com/los-angeles-police-department-careers-757738/history/

A fleet of touring cars purchased in 1913 resulted in the formation of the Department’s first motor patrol. motorcycle speed.

1913

https://www.zippia.com/los-angeles-police-department-careers-757738/history/

When William H. Parker was appointed chief of the LAPD in 1950, he worked to professionalize the department, including its recruitment policies.

1950

Parker instituted a rigorous selection and training program for new officers, including standards of weight and height, a comprehensive examination process, a long probationary period for training, an emphasis on science and technology, and a research division. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Los-Angeles-Police-Department

By 1990, the department had dropped to being only 63 percent white, while 13 percent of its officers were black and 20 percent Latino.

1990

More diversity in the police force began to show in the LAPD. https://www.zippia.com/los-angeles-police-department-careers-757738/history/

In 1991 the Department and the City of Los Angeles were rocked by a series of crises touched off by the Rodney King incident.

1991

https://www.zippia.com/los-angeles-police-department-careers-757738/history/

In early 2002, in the midst of implementation of a Federal Consent Decree to change the way the Department conducts business, the City declined to grant Chief Parks a second five-year term.

2002

https://www.zippia.com/los-angeles-police-department-careers-757738/history/