The purpose:
If you have ever been to a police museum, you might have noticed that they like to whitewash their history. You may be able to sit in the back of a police vehicle and take pictures, but you'll never see an exhibit about the negative impacts of police on a community. I have decided to choose one special police department and will preserve such history here.
If you have ever been to a police museum, you might have noticed that they like to whitewash their history. You may be able to sit in the back of a police vehicle and take pictures, but you'll never see an exhibit about the negative impacts of police on a community. I have decided to choose one special police department and will preserve such history here.
NCPD History before 1956
The National City, California police department was formed in 1887 with the founding of the City. J.C. Crain was appointed as Town Marshall. The original headquarters was beneath City Hall on 1243 National City Blvd. There is very little on NCPD during this time other than announcements of officer promotions or heading up lectures. As for anything negative about the department between 1887 and 1956, media reports are silent. By 1935, the department had twelve officers, which would grow to thirty-four in 1954. Around that time, before 1956, Harry Smith became the Chief of Police.
NCPD History: 1950s
NCPD Cheif frustrated over search and seizure laws:
Star News reporter does ride-alongs with NCPD:
NCPD/CVPD arrest young couple on felony possession of marijuana:
NCPD History: 1960s
Harry Smith retires as NCPD Chief. Walter Cagle takes over:
NCPD Chief hides evidence of two riots from the public:
A response to claims that National City has "no racial problems":
NCPD authorizes frivolous towings, an investigation was ordered the following year:
NCPD officers "over-zealousness" in chase leads to accident:
NCPD gives lecture called "Legalized Marijuana - Social Suicide":
NCPD History: 1970s
By 1975, John Liesman was NCPD Chief
Charges of brutality by NCPD:
NCPD officer kills man and doesn't face trial. A journalist critical of NCPD gets beat up:
Manuel Rodriguez graduates from Sweetwater High School in 1977
By 1977, Warren Kanagy was NCPD Chief
NCPD Chief openly says that he will not hire homosexuals as police officers:
More charges of police brutality by NCPD:
Even more charges of police brutality by NCPD:
NCPD History: 1980s
By 1983, Terry Hart was NCPD Chief
Stopping Hispanics for immigration status. NCPD claim they use 'instinct':
After harassment charges against NCPD are still published on the Star-News, reporter's car gets vandalized:
Charges of brutality and harassment. NCPD investigate themselves and find no wrongdoing:
NCPD officer Samuel W. Rattray was fired in 1985. He will file a lawsuit.
Manuel Rodriguez joined SDPD in 1986
After SDPD joins NCPD in arresting a man, SDPD accuses NCPD of brutality. Starts a third FBI probe:
Man accuses NCPD officer of grabbing him by neck during evacuations. Man was looking for his family:
NCPD follows man wrong way on freeway and causes accident. CHP blames NCPD officers:
After years of brutality and failed ballot vote to build a new NCPD station, group call for Chief's resignation:
NCPD Chief fired for saying things that made City Council mad when ballot initiative failed, not brutality:
NCPD arrests man for "resisting arrest":
NCPD History: 1990s
NCPD shoots business manager who was opening the door for them:
Former NCPD officer Samuel W. Rattray wins lawsuit:
Editorial on Police killings:
By 1991, Stan Knee was NCPD Chief
Man shot by NCPD after they mistook a hammer for a gun sues city:
Two National City police officers resigned over steroid prescriptions:
Woman accidentally shot by NCPD officer:
NCPD continues their pattern of abuse, but expands to harassing Filipino businesses:
NCPD shoots a man with a knife:
NCPD History: 2000s
Debate on a task force to review NCPD incidents:
Manuel Rodriguez becomes NCPD Captain in 2005
Manuel Rodriguez becomes NCPD Assistant Chief in 2007
2010s
Manuel Rodriguez becomes NCPD Chief in 2013