On Saturday, October 24, 2009, Downtown Los Angeles skyline witnessed the grand opening of the New Police Administration Building. Participants of the prestigious ribbon cutting ceremony included, city officials, law enforcement dignitaries from outside agencies, and dozens of uniformed Police Officers.
The event was initiated with the presentation of colors by the LAPD Honor Guard, followed by a touching rendition of the National Anthem performed by the Los Angeles Police Concert Band. Without a doubt the highlight of the event was a presentation of LAPD’s SWAT unit, descending down the side of the ten story building, as the American flag unfurled down from the rooftop.
Attendees of the event had the opportunity to meet many of the officers that patrol the Downtown area and view displays of the Department’s specialized units such as K-9, Detective Bureau, Bomb Squad and SWAT. Guest also enjoyed samples of some of Downtown’s finest eateries whom provided the food for the event. As a reflection of the diverse communities that the Department serves, entertainment performances included Fiesta Group Folklorico, and the Japanese Festival Sounds taiko drummers.
Chief Bratton expressed his pleasure in the overall design of the building from the openness of the landscape to the location of the building which faces City Hall. Chief Bratton expressed these features around the building are reflections of the transparency which now represent the relationship between the Department and the community. He further stated, “this building was consciously designed to be one, of the people, and for the people, this building is the people’s house.”
The new Police Administration Building is a 500,000 square-foot structure. The construction of the building was possible through funding from Proposition Q. It features an underground parking structure, a 400 seat auditorium, a 200 seat Café, scheduled to open in the spring of 2010, and a one acre public park. The event culminated the year-long celebration of the Departments 140th Anniversary.
The flag is wrong.
Posted by: CITIZEN | October 28, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Okay so the flag is wrong. Everybody makes mistakes, heck I've probably made half a dozen today. Perhaps they can display the flag properly on Veteran's Day to honor our nation's Veterans and as a way of showing lesson learned and mistake corrected. The LAPD officially offered an apology, let's learn from the mistake and move on.
So, moving on, the event was great. The tour of the new building was fun and the members of the LAPD did a great job as hosts and tour guides. I'm glad I had a chance to be there as this is part of L.A. history. I just wish more members of the general public like myself would have been there as it was a neat opportunity to see areas inside the building we usually wouldn't. Really nice grand opening, thanks to all who put it together, and that SWAT team presentation was awesome!
Posted by: Jennie | October 28, 2009 at 03:49 PM
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION BUILDING????? How about POLICE Administration Building!!!!
Editors be aware.
Posted by: B&W Op | October 28, 2009 at 04:06 PM
WOW! Citizen is FINALLY right about something!!! But, Citizen I assume you mean the stars should be on the left side when hanging a flag this way. Never know with you and your usual ignorant opinion on things.
Posted by: VBcop | October 28, 2009 at 07:09 PM
I thought the city was broke. Why are we paying ridiculous prices for "artwork"? Can we please give that "art work " to the L.A. Zoo? And 'Public Administration Building' is about right. Why else would they name the auditorium after a DWP employee instead of the many cops who have died in the line of duty.
Posted by: fedup | October 29, 2009 at 11:29 AM
Let's hope that in the spirit of good-will, this new shiny building, and all of it's new occupants, begins or continues to treat all of the blue-suiters who proudly wear the uniform daily (not just for ceremonial reasons), with a bit more respect and dignity. For those of you truly on the thin blue-line, stand tall, stay strong, and keep the faith. As you work the "line" daily with blood, sweat, and tears, remember that you are unique and special because you accomplish the task daily, while others simply reap the rewards and accolades, or steal the headlines.
Posted by: blu9ght | November 01, 2009 at 06:09 PM
respect for architect. :)
Posted by: isis89 | November 09, 2009 at 02:13 PM