Paying homage to Gates

Hundreds of mourners filed past the flag-draped coffin of retired LAPD Chief Daryl F. Gates on Monday during a public visitation for the "cop's cop" who came to symbolize both the best and worst of law enforcement. C.J. Lin in the Daily News.

Many of the guests made the sign of the cross as they paused at Gates' polished wooden casket, which was flanked by uniformed police officers standing at attention at the new Los Angeles Police Department headquarters. Mourners also paused to take photos of Gates' hat, badge and white gloves, which were displayed atop a white columned pedestal nearby.

The uniformed officers, from the elite Metropolitan Division - which includes the Special Weapons and Tactics team that Gates established - were relieved every 15 minutes in a formal changing of the guard - a gesture to honor one of Los Angeles' longest-serving police chiefs.