by James Ellroy
America’s greatest police department has always been America’s most pictorially depicted and dramatically portrayed police department. We can thank the proximity of the Hollywood film studios and the reign of film noir for that. This means that thanks are also due to André De Toth, Billy Wilder, Sterling Hayden, Lizabeth Scott, Robert Aldrich, John Alton, and numerous other denizens of the deep-focus deep. Among our creative antecedents, special nite howls go out to Joseph Wambaugh, the creator of the modern police novel, and Jack Webb, television’s first great auteur—and the most generous friend and civilian supporter the LAPD has ever known.
David Cashion and Deborah Aaronson of Abrams Image are the Wambaugh and Webb of this generation. LAPD ’53 is a rugged tome for the wrapped-tight and raucously reactionary. David and Deborah provided adroit advice and guidance every step of the way—even as I’m sure they were cringing. They should receive special Get-Out-Of-Jail and Frame-Your-Publishing-Enemies cards from LAPD—signed by all of us who worked on this book.
James Ellroy
1/5/15
LAPD ’53
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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The images that appear herein were made during one of LA’s growth spurts. Some of the crimes depicted are quite unique, while others have seemingly played out at other times and in different places. Still, the constants are two: those who suffered—victims and their loved ones—and those who were charged with responding to and investigating the crimes. From the photographic intersection of these worlds emerges sympathy for the victims and gratitude for those who have served—and those that continue to serve—the LAPD.
The stories might not coincide exactly with what actually occurred. Such is the mandate of historical fiction. Accordingly, the treatments as they are spelled out may not strike the fancies of each and every reader. Realize that crime stories typically aren’t intended for the whole family. Hope will remain that the words and photos lend perspective to an LA in mid-century transition.
Some of the photography qualitatively surpasses that of typical crime scene imagery. Those who snapped the pictures receive this acknowledgment for their talent and commitment. Many of the policemen responsible for the images have passed; what remains is their unseen work that can now be interpreted and admired.
So, too, can the words of bestselling author James Ellroy. His unequivocal support of the LAPD brought him to the Los Angeles Police Museum a decade ago. His philanthropy and popularity have assisted the police museum for most of its existence. Simply put: The evolution experienced by the Los Angeles Police Museum was frequently facilitated by Ellroy. His generosity and creativity fueled the museum’s growth in many dimensions. It is an honor to have an author of his standing and his abilities driving interest in the Museum and its programs.
There is no other like-situated museum whose partner is as talented or accomplished.
James—Thank you and Godspeed!
Glynn Martin
1/6/15
LAPD ’53
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THE GLOSSARY
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211 P.C. The section of the California Penal Code for the crime of robbery.
459 The section of the California Penal Code for the crime of burglary.
APB All Points Bulletin.
ARROYO SECO A dry streambed that runs through Los Angeles. L.A.’s first freeway was built alongside the Arroyo Seco in 1940. The term also refers to the neighborhoods that border the inactive stream.
BIG “H” Heroin.
BILTMORE HOTEL A landmark in downtown Los Angeles. When opened in 1923, it was the largest hotel west of Chicago. It gained fame in 1947 as the last location Elizabeth Short (the Black Dahlia) was seen alive.
BOYLE HEIGHTS A racially diverse area of Los Angeles immediately north and east of the center of the city. Also considered part of East Los Angeles.
BUNKER HILL A section of Los Angeles on the western border of downtown.
CHINO A reference to the state prison located in this California city.
CLUB ALABAM A nightclub in South Central Los Angeles.
CLUB ZOMBIE A nightclub in South Central Los Angeles known for jazz music
DAILY BULLETIN A publication of the LAPD that was distributed to officers at the start of their watch. The bulletin contained a variety of information including wanted persons, new regulations, stolen vehicles and more.
DRAGNET Originally a radio series based on fictional LAPD officers. It became a popular television series in the 1950s and ’60s. Jack Webb directed, produced and starred in the program, which helped popularize the LAPD. Two motion pictures and a series of paperback books of the same name were also produced.
GEORDIE HORMEL Grandson of the Hormel foods corporation founder. Known for his musical compositions, especially television themes, and as the founder and proprietor of Village Recording Studio.
GLASSELL PARK An area of Los Angeles bordering the city of Glendale and adjacent to the Golden State Freeway and the L.A. River.
GREEN ROOM The chamber in which California executions were carried out.
JUNKIE A drug addict.
LAPD The Los Angeles Police Department, which in 1953 consisted of 12 stations—Central, University, Hollenbeck, Harbor, Hollywood, Wilshire, West Los Angeles, Valley, Highland Park, 77th Street, Newton and Venice.
L.A. RIVER The Los Angeles River, a once free-flowing river that now runs through a 48-mile concrete channel from the Santa Susana Mountains to its terminus in Long Beach.
LAUREL CANYON A Los Angeles neighborhood on the western edge of Hollywood
THE ONION FIELD A book and movie written by LAPD Sergeant Joseph Wambaugh detailing the kidnapping of LAPD Officers Ian Campbell and Karl Hettinger. Campbell was shot and killed in an onion field 90 miles north of Los Angeles. Hettinger survived, but spent his life emotionally scarred by the events.
PACOIMA An area of Los Angeles in the east San Fernando Valley.
RED DEVILS Street vernacular for a barbiturate in a red capsule.
SAN QUENTIN A California state prison that opened in 1852 and houses condemned prisoners.
SPIKE A hypodermic needle, syringe.
VALLEY RECEIVING HOSPITAL The LAPD once administered a hospital system, which was partially serviced by ambulances dispatched from police stations. The hospitals were located adjacent to many LAPD stations and staffed by doctors and nurses employed by the LAPD.
WILLIAM H. PARKER Chief of the LAPD from 1950 to 1966, who is credited with reforming the department during that period. Parker was an attorney and a former Army officer wounded during the D-Day invasion. He was renowned the world over as a law enforcement leader and consulted with many foreign nations about forming and professionalizing civilian police forces.
YELLOW JACKETS Street vernacular for a barbiturate in a yellow capsule.
