Reactions to death of LAPD Chief Daryl Gates

Reactions to the death of Daryl Gates, the former LAPD police chief:

Harbor District Councilwoman Janice Hahn:

"Though he was always a controversial figure, Chief Gates will be remembered for his 40 years of dedicated service to the LAPD. He can be credited with advancing many innovative policing techniques, but what I will always thank him for is helping hundreds of thousands of young people say no to drugs through his revolutionary DARE program."

Ramona Ripston, executive director of the ACLU/Southern California. Ripston was the first civic leader to call for Gates to resign in the wake of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, and Gates sometimes referred to her as "Ramona Ripoff":

"Daryl Gates failed to react to a changing Los Angeles and a changing culture in policing. At a time of great unrest in our city, he was a lightning rod for criticism and controversy, and deservedly so, in part because of his penchant for making disturbing, overly broad statements. He inherited a police department with little respect for minority communities or for civil liberties and civil rights, and he continued that legacy throughout his career."

 Los Angeles Police Protective League, President Paul M. Weber:

"Los Angeles has suffered a great loss with the death of Chief Gates. Chief Gates was a truly devoted public servant who committed his life to improving the lives of others in Los Angeles. He was a man of courage and character who had a deep commitment to the rule of law, with a deep pride of the LAPD.

"Chief Gates was a cop's cop, revolutionizing critical policing tactics and changing the face of modern law enforcement around out the world.

"He lived his dream and felt blessed to be part of an organization that he cared so much about. Even after retiring, Chief Gates was an active and steadfast supporter of LAPD officers, making frequent appearances to honor officers for their service - from retirements and funerals to ceremonies and charity events, Chief Gates' presence could always be counted on.

"The men and women of the LAPD join the community in offering our deepest sympathies and prayers to the Gates family as they endure this painful loss."