The LAPD had the first police woman.
The LAPD created the first SWAT program.
The LAPD is one of the most internationally known police departments in the world, depicted in hundreds of action-packed movies.
The LAPD's motto "To Protect and to Serve" originated in February 1955 when The Beat magazine conducted a contest to come up with 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 submitted by Officer Officer Joseph S. Dorobek.