Noir PD

Day Agent · May 5, 2014

I'm trying to dig into the LAPD of the 1940s and 50s, to figure out how the department was organized (general division of labor down to the workings of a station.)

I'd appreciate suggested reading, especially if available in digital format, and I'd welcome correspondence of anyone well versed in the subject.

King Neptune · May 6, 2014

Try the LA Times. There might be archives online. If not, then contact the paper. There probably were several newspapers during the period, show you might want to look for archives of the others. LA public libraries probably know where those would be.

Also inquire with the city and county governments. I probably would start with the libraries; email the reference department.

Trebor1415 · May 6, 2014

Here's some books:

http://www.johnbuntin.com/main.html

I read this one, it's pretty hard on the department

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0972762558/?tag=absowrit-20

This one seems to be more pro LAPD

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IAA2AKU/?tag=absowrit-20

This is part of a series of photo heavy books. They can be useful

http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/9780738530253/Los-Angeles-Police-Department

And the Amazon search page for Los Angeles police department books

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_1?rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Alos+angeles+police+department+books&keywords=los+angeles+police+department+books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399380511

edit one more
http://www.huntingtonnews.net/41035

Noir PD

Day Agent

Look Closer

King Neptune

Trebor1415

practical experience, FTW