KTLA News: "Daryl Gates sworn in as 49th Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department" (1978)

The swearing in ceremonies were held in the gym of the police academy. There was an overflowing crowd of 800 for the noon time affair. Among those attending, Governor Jerry Brown, Mayor Tom Bradley, members of the city council and police commission, District Attorney John Vandicamp, Sheriff Peter Pitches, and former police chief Tom Redden. When Chiefs Robert Rock and Daryl Gates entered the crowded auditorium, there was a loud ovation. Both Rock and Gates were patrol car partners 26 years ago. Superior Court Judge Robert Wheel, who was formerly a member of the police commission, gave the oath of office to the new chief. >> And that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of chief of police. >> And I shall faithfully discharge the duties of the office of chief of police. >> In and for the city of Los Angeles. >> In and for the city of Los Angeles, >> according to the best of my ability. >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me, God. >> Congratulations. Thank you. I've thought of many things that I could or should talk about today. I've decided that they are better left unsaid, at least for the time being. Those who know me know that I welcome and am dedicated to the task ahead. If I will be remembered at all, it will not be because of what I say today, but because of what I may be able to accomplish or fail to accomplish long after this occasion has been forgotten. Mayor Tom Bradley and Governor Jerry Brown also spoke at the ceremony. The governor said he hopes Gates will be inspired by his predecessors, but not bound by their accomplishments. I pledge my own support and cooperation because I see that the work ahead of us in knitting together this very fragmenting and diverse society is the work not only of the governor's office or of the legislature or of the mayor of the city council or of the police but also of the schools of the health departments of the families of the churches of the labor unions of all the institutions in our society. >> Daryl Gates, the 49th Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, has been sworn in. As one of the speakers said, "It's not where we are, it's where we're going." And Chief Gates has promised to lead the department well. Stan Chambers, Channel 5 News Watch, reporting from the Police Academy. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] performed in almost every capacity that can be acknowledgement of his outstanding service to the people of Los Angeles and the board of police commissioners in assuming and executing ing the responsibilities of chief of police during the interim period January the 16th to March the 28th 1978. Calling upon his 29 years of experience guiding the department with characteristic calm and control. We offer to him this expression of esteem and gratitude together with the hope that the department will be favored with his continued presence for many years to come. Thank you very much Chief Ross. Will Chiefs Gates and Rock come forward. Five years ago, it was my pleasure to undergo an orientation. Pro your hand on the Bible and raise your right hand. Repeat after me. >> Constitution of the state of California. [Applause] Three. Order. Oh my god. [Applause] With that introduction, I think I used up all my a lot of time. Perhaps I I really should have started out saying simply friends. With that introduction, there are still two individuals who could not join us here. You know, the pride I feel today is something I'm unable to describe. The honor that has come to me is beyond my ability to measure. The responsibility is awesome and each in turn leaves me more humble. Time comes for me to turn the department over to someone else. The department will not feel my loss as keenly as it has the departure of some of our former chiefs. But this much I pledge. The Los Angeles Police Department will be a better organization to work for and the city of Los Angeles will be a safer, better place in which to live. To Chief Rock, you are a man of rare quality and you will not be forgotten. to my bosses, you and to all of the people of this city that I will serve you well. I need your help. I ask your help and God's blessing. Thank you. Offered by the to protect to serve a goal that could serve any of our public institutions as its guiding motto. I come today to add my words of respect and of recognition to a department whose traditions are excellent, whose reputation is beyond question, and whose future is well assured with its latest selection as chief. The pressures of the changes that roll across our city, our state, and indeed our culture. This is a good day for the police department of Los Angeles. It's a good day for the people of our city. It's a good day for the people of California. And I can just express my own appreciation for being a part of it. And good luck and good wishes to you, Daryl Gates, as you lead this very fine department in the years ahead. Thank you very much. [Applause] [Music] Daryl Gates, the 49th Chief of the City of Los Angeles Police Department, has been sworn in. As one of the speakers said, "It's not where we are, it's where we're going." Chief Gates has promised to lead the department. Well, Stan Chambers, Channel 5 News Watch reporting from the Police Academy. Daryl Gates, the 49th Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, has been sworn in. As one of the speakers says,