The Origin of the LAPD Motto In February 1955, the Los Angeles Police Department, through the pages of the internally produced BEAT magazine, conducted a contest for a motto for the police academy. The conditions of the contest stated that: "The motto should be one that in a few words would express some or all the ideals to which the Los Angeles police service is dedicated. It is possible that the winning motto might someday be adopted as the official motto of the Department."



The winning entry was the motto, "To Protect and to Serve" submitted by Officer Joseph S. Dorobek.



"To Protect and to Serve" became the official motto of the Police Academy, and it was kept constantly before the officers in training as the aim and purpose of their profession. With the passing of time, the motto received wider exposure and acceptance throughout the department.



On November 4, 1963, the Los Angeles City Council passed the necessary ordinance and the credo has now been placed alongside the City Seal on the Department’s patrol cars.



(Reprinted from BEAT magazine, December 1963)

I WANT TO KNOW How do I find information for my academic research project? Where can I find information on the history of the LAPD? How do I obtain a Police Commission Permit? How can I do a ride-along with the LAPD?



In compliance with Mayor Garcetti’s directive for all City Departments to temporarily suspend in-person public meetings until a technological solution is identified, the BOPC is currently evaluating video conferencing options for livestreaming and public comment at Police Commission meetings. We will resume meetings as soon as practical, and in accordance with the guidance and directives of public health officials. The health and safety of the public and the employees of the LAPD are our top priority, and we will resume meetings as soon as they can be supported by the appropriate technological solution and we are confident we can do so in a safe environment for all. Under normal conditions, the BOPC conducts a substantial portion of its oversight role outside of commission meetings. That oversight continues during this health emergency, and the BOPC remains in daily contact with the Chief, Command staff, and all Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) personnel to ensure the continuity of the BOPC oversight of the LAPD.



All members of the BOPC wish to express their gratitude to members of the public for their patience during this public health emergency and, while we all work to comply with public health and safety directives, encourage the public to submit written public comments at the above-referenced email addresses. All comments will be read. We look forward to resuming normal operations as soon as practical.



Finally, we encourage everyone to follow the advice of public health officials during these unprecedented times. In accordance with the directives and guidance provided by the Governor of California, the Mayor of Los Angeles, and the California Department of Public Health:In compliance with Mayor Garcetti’s directive for all City Departments to temporarily suspend in-person public meetings until a technological solution is identified, the BOPC is currently evaluating video conferencing options for livestreaming and public comment at Police Commission meetings. We will resume meetings as soon as practical, and in accordance with the guidance and directives of public health officials. The health and safety of the public and the employees of the LAPD are our top priority, and we will resume meetings as soon as they can be supported by the appropriate technological solution and we are confident we can do so in a safe environment for all. Under normal conditions, the BOPC conducts a substantial portion of its oversight role outside of commission meetings. That oversight continues during this health emergency, and the BOPC remains in daily contact with the Chief, Command staff, and all Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) personnel to ensure the continuity of the BOPC oversight of the LAPD.All members of the BOPC wish to express their gratitude to members of the public for their patience during this public health emergency and, while we all work to comply with public health and safety directives, encourage the public to submit written public comments at the above-referenced email addresses. All comments will be read. We look forward to resuming normal operations as soon as practical.Finally, we encourage everyone to follow the advice of public health officials during these unprecedented times.