ABSTRACT
By far, the vast majority of officer comments examined in this study concern issues regarding the LAPD’s management and administration. These comments target the supervisors and decision makers within all levels of the organization. However, the bulk of commentary is directed at specific reactions of these officers to the organizational meltdown. Policy directives originating within Parker Center were carried out on the street by the head administrator at each of the department’s divisions. Each division contained two upper-level managers at the rank of captain who were responsible for ensuring that command staff policy directives were effectively carried out by officers in the streets. Numerous comments were received from officers mentioning Chief Gates and his role as guardian of the department against outside influences. If there is one primary cause of the LAPD meltdown, it is most likely the “dissension among the ranks” of the department’s administrators and managers, and according to officers, especially those composing the brass.
