The internet and libraries are full of interesting photos and stories of LAPD history. This section of the site is for random bits of interesting ephemera that I’ve collected from here and there. Photos and stories here are presented in no particular order. Click on each photo for a larger version
1927 - Inspection of Officers at l.a. coliseum
1927 - Inspection of Officers at l.a. coliseum
HOLLYWOOD POLICE STATIONS: THEN AND NOW
This was the Hollywood Police Station / City Hall, before Hollywood was a part of Los Angeles. Circa 1906. The address was 131 South Cahuenga Boulevard.
I’m assuming, based on Los Angeles street numbering standards, that 131 South Cahuenga would have been at or near the intersection of Cahuenga Bl and First Street. That intersection no longer exists. It puts the original Hollywood Station smack dab in the middle of a fairway at the present-day Wilshire Country Club.
Old hollywood Police Station and Fire Station, 1629 N. Cahuenga Boulevard. This station was in use from 1913-1930. On the right is a Google Street View of the neighborhood today.
The two photos below are from a tourism promotional shoot - Circa 1928
tHE HAPPIEST COP IN hOLLYWOOD THAT DAY…
The “newer” old hollywood police station and receiving hospital, located at 1358 Wilcox Avenue. On the right IS A Google Street View from the same angle OF The current - and decidedly less ornate - Hollywood Station, built in the late 70s AND located at the same site..
The Death of Wylie Smith
Below: Oscar Bayer (sitting on right) next to Bertrand M. Steventon. Standing left to right are Claude R. Weaver, Charles Meyers and Jack A. Stambler. You’d never think it, but this photo was taken very shortly after what the Los Angeles Times called “the city’s most spectacular gun battle.” In August, 1925, a group of bank robbers engaged in a running gun battle with LAPD Officers in broad daylight in Downtown Los Angeles. Policeman Wylie Smith was killed.
For the record, if this had happened today, the last thing these you’d see these Officers doing would be posing for a newspaper photographer. Instead they would be separated, individually monitored by supervisors, reviewing their body-worn video of the incident, consulting with their Protective League reps and their attorneys, and then finally giving a compelled statement to Detectives from Force Investigation Division.
Below are L.A. Times accounts of the incident. You’ll notice that on the second page, Charles Myers has been painted out of the picture. Why? No idea. The man in the top right of the photo on page 2 is Wylie Smith, the Officer who was killed in the incident.
Edward Franta was one of the suspects involved in the robbery. The city offered a reward for his capture. Ultimately, Franta was captured in Chicago, returned to Los Angeles, and tried alongside co-defendant Anthony Kasper.
Both were convicted and sentenced to life. Their intake photos from Folsom Prison are shown below.
Nice ties, gentlemen.
Early Badges
Various rank badges are displayed in this photo from 1926, including three ranks that don’t exist anymore: “Policewoman” “Motor Police” and “Inspector.”
