"KMA367"
Photo Gallery
Probably pre-dating the radio system, this photo's caption says only "Los Angeles Policeman at Switchboard." Any ideas?
Here are some suggestions I've received from you
Radio cars in the 1930's had two separate radios and antennas - one to receive and one to transmit
In Central Division, next to the old Hill Street tunnels
"Hey, Joe, run another license plate...it's almost the end of the month and our stats are way too low. And where'd our passenger-door go, anyway?"
Look at that microphone!
Prior to 1981, policemen - rather than civilians - answered all incoming telephone calls. Call tickets were sent, via a conveyor belt in the slot at center, to the radio room where civilian RadioTelephone Operators ("RTOs") would broadcast them.
Complaint Board Officers, 1940's, in City Hall
New radio console at the new PAB "Glass
House"
The RTO would access
the transmitter by pushing the toggle switch either forward or
backward, depending on the frequency he/she was selecting. Each
rotating button represents a police unit, whose status is
indicated by the color displayed. The RTO had to operate the
radio, write, turn the status-buttons, time- and number-stamp
each message ticket and put it in the rack above the unit. Not
until the late 1960s did foot-pedals finally replace the
transmit-switch.
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Communications History Page
Complaint Board Officer, circa 1950's, at Parker Center
Ofcr. Leroy Perkins
The "Link" Operator in the Parker Center "mike room"
The "Link" would immediately broadcast all in-progress "Hot Shot" calls, as well as pursuits. Occasionally they would talk to other police agencies on the intercity-link frequency.
Ofcr. John Clinger
Communications Division Watch Commander checks the "call counter" at end of watch
Lt. Russel Hughes
"...I'm too sick to work today, Lieutenant"
Lt. Russel Hughes
High-Performance "Freeway Interceptor" Pursuit Car
Until the CHP took them over in 1968, freeways within city limits were patrolled by LAPD "FT" (freeway traffic) cars and "FM" freeway motorcycles
This guy would seem to be quite the daredevil. He appears to be in traffic, eastbound on Temple around Figueroa, but the speedometer shows him allegedly going 75 mph. And if he's in pursuit, he really ought to be on the radio...
An early "Mobile Command Post" Communications van
Probably got recycled into a paddy wagon ("B-wagon") when higher-tech vehicles came along
Self-contained command post: "Mobile 5"
