Topic: Los Angeles Police Department

'The Closer' opened doors for women – and for basic cable

'The Closer' returns for its sixth season Monday night at 9 p.m.

'Grim Sleeper' case raises privacy concerns over use of DNA

'Grim Sleeper' serial killer case was broken when authorities used DNA taken from the suspect's family members. Is it a breakthrough in police science or an invasion of privacy?

'Grim Sleeper' arrest 'shows long arm of the law still prevails' says victim's father

'Grim Sleeper' arrest surprised neighbors. "We knew he was kind of weird, but he was a regular person," says neighbor.

Why boycotts about Arizona immigration law are stalling

Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose have softened the boycotts they pledged in the wake of the Arizona immigration law's passage.

Lakers riots: Lakers fans get ugly after LA beats Boston in NBA finals

Lakers riots occurred after the Lakers beat the Celtics in the NBA Finals Thursday night.

Charlie Sheen's cars keep falling off of cliffs

Charlie Sheen keeps losing his cars. This is the second time this year a Mercedes owned by Charlie Sheen has been driven over a cliff.

Medical marijuana gains momentum – 13 states and counting

Support for medical marijuana - and outright legalization - is increasing across the US. But in some California cities, pot dispensaries have become unwelcome.

New LAPD chief known for innovative approach to gang violence

Charlie Beck, a 30-year-plus LAPD veteran from a police family, is expected to carry on the reforms of his former boss and chief William Bratton.

New LAPD chief's challenge: build on Bratton's legacy

The three finalists for the post – all from within the LAPD – have big shoes to fill with the departure of William Bratton, who is credited with turning the force around.

LAPD chief Bratton leaves a police force transformed

Bratton, who ends his tenure at the LAPD this week, is credited for reinventing a police force once known for brutality and corruption, and bringing down crime to historic lows.

Opinion: My search as a cop for justice in a flawed criminal system

A faulty reliance on eyewitnesses and shoddy science at police departments across the states, from the LAPD to the NYPD, can have tragic consequences.

How charities harness social media for a social impact

Networkers shift from sharing info to linking up to effect change.

To catch a thief, homeowners turn to YouTube

Homeowners are rigging their homes with cameras and posting footage of robberies on YouTube. Even police departments are turning to social media to help nab criminals.

Tests for California's 'pot economy'

Medical marijuana booms in cities such as L.A., with some eyeing its revenue potential. But there's pushback, too.

Dealing with mistakes

A Christian Science perspective.

In stunning reversal, LAPD goes from reviled to respected

The police department once known for beating Rodney King has resuscitated its public image by reaching out to the minority communities it once antagonized.

Should L.A. pay $2 million to protect parade from 'knuckleheads'?

Rioting broke out after the Lakers won the NBA title Sunday. The city is guarding against a similar problems during Wednesday's victory parade.

Police Tasers: excessive force or necessary tool?

A crop of legal cases across the US raise concerns over the use of electric stun guns in routine police stops.

In new tactic, L.A. goes after gangs' money

The city won $5 million in cash damages against a gang in the first verdict under a new law.

Review: 'Changeling'

True story of a mother whose son goes missing lacks some of the passion of Angelina Jolie's earlier performances.

To deter crime, Los Angeles leaves the lights on

The Summer Night Lights program, started in July, combats gang and gun violence during the summer months by keeping parks and recreation centers in Los Angeles's highest-crime districts open until midnight.

Six picks: Recommendations from the Monitor staff

Wimbledon's Serb dominance, an armchair scientist's ticket to outer space, Inspector Wexford's renewed sleuthing, and more.

Opinion: Stop playing the race card

Hyped-up charges of bias distract from the real work of correcting racial inequalities.

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