The Los Angeles Police Historical Society Behind the Badge "Behind The Badge: The LAPD Experience" Museum and Community Education Center, is located inside the former Highland Park Police Station (in service from 1925 to 1983) at 6045 York Boulevard, just a few blocks west of North Figueroa in Highland Park.

If you've not yet visited, you're invited to come see for yourself what it's all about. It's a great place to take the family! SPECIAL EVENT: WITHOUT ALARM III a site-specific installation of works related to custody, captivity, containment July 19-August 30, 2003 Reception, Saturday, July 19, 2003 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Read about it here! . . The former Highland Park Police Station has been completely refurbished inside and out, and recalls a bygone era. Come see what an old police station complete with jail was like. There's even a store where a variety of items may be purchased, all of which support this nonprofit effort. The names of the luminaties who run the LA Police Historical Society read like a who's who of local law enforcement, past and present. LAPD Assistant Chief of Police Jim McDonnell is on the Board, along with Mary Grady of LAPD public Affairs, Captain Kyle Jackson, current commanding officer of Northeast Division and Ted Hunt, Police Protective League Board Member. Also serving on the LAPHS Board are former Assistant Chief David Gason, and former Deputy Chief Margaret York, who's the Vice Chair. The Board of Governors includes Herbert F. "Bert" Boeckmann II, who recently completed 16.5 years as a Member of the LAPD Police Commission. To see a complete list, visit the LA Police Historial Society website: http://www.laphs.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LAPHS Mission Statement: "Our mission is to enhance public safety by building a bridge of understanding and support between our community and its police department. We bring people closer together through a unique combination of a police museum and interactive youth programs that instill an appreciation of the essential role of the police in a free society."

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The Society publishes a Newsletter. Here's a recent column, written by the Chairperson:

THE LAPD LEGACY
by Chairman Thomas G. Hays, LAPD Captain (retired)

Virtually every important organization needs to trace its roots back to the beginning and record the evolution of its growth. It is an accepted truism that unless we know where we have been, we cannot successfully chart our course for the future. For well over a hundred years, the LAPD has been growing and developing, making some mistakes, sure, but accomplishing a lot, becoming the preeminent law enforcement organization in the country.

About 25 years ago, some of us realized we needed a repository for our history. Not only was there no safe place to preserve the "artifacts" of our jobs, there was no record of our accomplishments as a group or as individuals to let those who follow us know we were here, to learn who we were, where we worked and what the times were like when we served our community.

The Historical Society has been created to do just that. Our goal is to become that central repository. With the acquisition of the old Highland Park Police Station, we have created a focal point for LAPD employees—both sworn and civilian—to contribute information, do research, hold meetings, and to interact and support each other as fellow officers have always done.

This is the first issue of our newsletterwhich will come out bi-monthly to keep you informed about the Museum. As Chairman, I urge you to learn more about us. We need your support, both in financial aid and in personal involvement. Most importantly, come visit the place—that will show you exactly where we are headed. I look forward to seeing many old friends and making some new ones up on York Boulevard.