Torrance Police Department (Images of America: California) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Ben Olsen, seen in this 1929 image, made a salary of $150 a month..." (more)
Key Phrases: desk sergeant, shoulder emblem, Torrance Police Department, Chief Stroh, Percy Bennett (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The Torrance Police Department dates to May 23, 1921, when city trustees appointed Ben Olsen as city marshal and, shortly thereafter, hired Byron Anderson as night watchman. The efforts of these men were devoted to dealing with thieves, keeping the peace, and “declaring war on speedsters.” From such humble beginnings, the Torrance Police Department has grown into the fourth largest municipal law enforcement agency in Los Angeles County. Its position as the anchoring police force of the South Bay section of the county and its reputation as an innovator in crime fighting have been firmly established over time. Today, with a total of 242 sworn and 100 support personnel, the highly regarded Torrance Police Department serves more than 142,000 inhabitants in 21 square miles.

About the Author

Author John Prins, a 27-year member of the Torrance Police Department, drew on the forceÂ’s collection of vintage photographs to produce this tribute to one of Southern CaliforniaÂ’s finest crime-fighting units. Sergeant Prins has served the force in many capacities, including as a patrol officer, crime scene investigator, detective, background investigator, SWAT officer, and K-9 handler. He and his wife, Maria, also a city employee, reside in Torrance.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (January 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738547948
• ISBN-13: 978-0738547947
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,332,412 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Look At Torrance Law Enforcement's Past, December 20, 2008

By	George Gong (Vallejo, California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

Excellant typical of Arcadia Publishing. Good comprehensive look at Torrance Police Department's past and present. Small enough department where if you were a past member, there is bound to be someone you will find within the pages of this book!

4.0 out of 5 stars Poinient, June 24, 2008

By	Lonna J. White "mtwhitehouse" (Kalispell, MT United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Excellent compendium of TPD History and photos... Impossible to include everyone but missed a number of really good guys who will be purchasing this history.