Former LA Police Chief Dies

Daryl F. Gates 83, died Friday, April 16, 2010, at his home in Newport Beach from cancer according to the Orange County Register. He served as police chief for Los Angeles County for 14 years which included the Los Angeles riots of 1992. During his time in LAPD he was often criticized for his negative race based comments. The articles describes that he was “often at odds with civil rights activists [and] the mayor”. His response to the 1992 riots stemming from the acquittal of the four police officers that beat Rodney King was criticized by some. He was pushed to early retirement because of this incident. Positive aspects of his career include the formation of the SWAT in 1972. He also created the DARE program in an effort at drug abuse prevention. The program was for grade school children which involved an officer giving talks to the students and various activities.

The funeral for Daryl Gates will be Tuesday, April 27, 2010, 9:00AM at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.