William H. Parker (police officer)
William H. Parker | |
|---|---|
Parker in 1965 | |
| Born | William Henry Parker III June 21, 1905 Lead, South Dakota, U.S. |
| Died | July 16, 1966 (aged 61) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Police career | |
| Country | United States |
| Department | Los Angeles Police Department |
| Service years | 1927–1966 |
| Rank | Chief of Police |
William Henry Parker III (June 21, 1905 – July 16, 1966) was an American law enforcement officer who was Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) from 1950 to 1966. To date, he is the longest-serving LAPD police chief. Parker has been called "Los Angeles' greatest and most controversial chief of police". The former headquarters of the LAPD, the Parker Center, was named after him. During his tenure, the LAPD was known for police brutality and racism; Parker himself was known for his "unambiguous racism".