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The LAPD was first established. It consisted of six paid officers who were split into two shifts. City Marshal William C. Warren ran the LAPD.
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Robert William Stewart was hired as the first African American Officer in the LAPD. This was a huge step forward in promoting diversity within the department.
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A severe beating of seven civilians by LAPD occurred. Five Mexican Americans and two white men suffered broken bones and ruptured organs. This led to reforms within the department.
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A large series of riots broke out in the predominantly black neighborhood of Watts LA. This lasted for 34 days, involved more than 34k people, and resulted in 34 deaths and many injured or arrested. This led to changes in the police's relationship with the community.
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Mayor Tom Bradley formed the Christopher Commission following the beating of Rodney King. Rodney King was not the first African American who suffered from police brutality, but his beating was one of the first to be captured on video. This Christopher Commission was created to conduct a full and fair examination of the structure and operation of the LAPD.
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More than 70 officers were initially implicated in various forms of misconduct including unprovoked shootings/beatings, planting of false evidence, stealing and dealing narcotics, etc. This led to investigations and significant changes in oversight and accountability.
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After the rampart scandal, the LAPD entered into a federal consent decree to force reforms such as civilian oversight and use of force.
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Christopher Jordan Dorner was a prior police officer with the LAPD. He searched for revenge on the LAPD while killing four and injuring three. All of his victims were police officers except for one who was the daughter of a retired police captain. On February 12th Dorner was fatally shot.