Great history of law and order in Los Angeles as told through the lives of two men; William Parker who became Chief of Police and Mickey Cohen, notrious gangster. Well written and full of fascinating characters from Hollywood to Washington who played a part in the story of LA. The book gives real insight into the genesis of the city's ongoing problems of racial tension, political corruption and the public distrust of the police department. This book is a Social history of the conflict between organized crime and the LA police from Prohibition to the Watts riots. As a one time student of public organizations, I found the analysis of the legal and bureaucratic devices to create an autonomous policy system in LA fascinating. Also of interest was the description of the disconnect between the WASP elite and the LA residents on the issues of gambling and prostitution. A strong market demand for illicit services and products will provide incentive to those who can satisfy these demands is one lesson Buntin teaches. Buntin does not address the question of the effectiveness of the LA police from the 20s to the 60s in protecting the population from crimes against the person and property. The author's writing style was soporific at times; it did not engage this reader.
An interesting history of old LA and the LAPD, but definitely could only read it in short bursts.
—Haileeb
A solid historical narrative of LA from the 1920s to the 1940/ focusing on the police and mob.
—nmh175
Great story, one-stroke above par writer. I give it 7 out of 10 unwarrented wiretaps.
—tarasydow
This book has the makings of an interesting magazine article.
—Simar
