LAPD Chief Daryl Gates

Former LAPD Chief Daryl Gates died this week of bladder cancer at the age of 83. I had a chance to meet Gates briefly back in the early 1980s when I was working for DEA in Los Angeles and took the head of the German Federal Police to LAPD Hqs for a tour. Chief Gates led the LAPD through some of its most turbulent times. He was often the target of criticism, mostly because he always defended his officers. In return, he was greatly loved and respected by the men and women in blue.

After serving with the Navy in the Pacific during World War II, Chief Gates began his career with LAPD in 1949 as a driver for legendary chief Bill Parker. He became chief in 1978 and served in that capacity until 1992. The riots related to the Rodney King case led to the end of his tenure.

Not surprisingly, Gates was not admired by people like the ACLU. LA Director Ramona Ripston made this classless statement upon hearing of Gates' death:

"Daryl Gates failed to react to a changing Los Angeles and a changing culture in policing. At a time of great unrest in our city, he was a lightning rod for criticism and controversy, and deservedly so, in part because of his penchant for making disturbing, overly broad statements. He inherited a police department with little respect for minority communities or for civil liberties and civil rights, and he continued that legacy throughout his career."

Well, that's not surprising coming from the ACLU.

More meaningful was the reception Gates-then retired- got when he attended the funeral of slain LAPD officer Randal Simmons in 2008. Chief William Bratton was opening his remarks by addressing the various dignitaries in attendance. When he came to Gates, he was interrupted by a two-minute standing ovation by the police to their former chief.

Notwithstanding the likes of Ripston and her ACLU, Daryl Gates is being mourned by LAPD this week. Expect his funeral to be a huge send-off, which will be fitting.