|
From the History of
the Los Angeles Police Department (lapdonline.org) From the earliest days, traffic posed problems. Chief George E. Gard fielded the first
traffic squad in 1881, composed of an unknown number of officers, to "horse, wagon and carriage" control to ensure
pedestrian safety.
Between 1876 and 1889, 15 Chiefs came
and went, unable or unwilling to cope with the growing pains of a rowdy community. When, in 1885 Edward McCarthy was Chief,
he commanded 18 officers and earned $150 a month. Department equipment was valued at $354. One year later, the Department
hired its first two African-American officers, Robert William Stewart and Roy Green.
|
