What are the police in LA called?

Who Are the LAPD?

If you've watched a crime drama set in California, you've probably heard the acronym LAPD more than once. It stands for the Los Angeles Police Department, the main law enforcement agency serving the City of Los Angeles. Officially known as the City of Los Angeles Police Department, this force is responsible for keeping order across one of the largest and most diverse cities in the United States.

Founded in 1869, the LAPD has evolved from a small group of officers into a major metropolitan police force with thousands of sworn personnel. You’ll often see their black-and-white patrol cars, distinctive uniforms, and the iconic crest featuring a badge with a five-pointed star—symbols recognized far beyond city limits.

The department operates under the leadership of a Chief of Police and is headquartered at the Parker Center, though many of its divisions are spread throughout the city’s 21 policing districts. From responding to emergencies to community outreach, the LAPD handles a wide range of duties, including criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and public safety initiatives.

Over the decades, the LAPD has been both praised and scrutinized—lauded for its innovations in policing, yet also challenged by controversies that sparked nationwide conversations about law enforcement and accountability. Despite the complexities, it remains a central institution in LA’s civic life.

Whether you're a resident, visitor, or just catching up on the latest news, understanding who the LAPD is—and what they do—helps make sense of how safety and justice are managed in this sprawling Southern California metropolis.