The LAPD started doing this in the 50s-60s, under Bill Parker. Parker's experience with the larger by per capita force of his early career led him to estimate

The LAPD started doing this in the 50s-60s, under Bill Parker. Parker's experience with the larger by per capita force of his early career led him to estimate that fewer but more professional officers would mean less corruption. Additionally, the strategy of changing the beat posture to one of mobility led to change from foot patrols to one which favored police cars. Not incidentally, this also furthered Parker's belief that isolating his officers from the streets would reduce opportunities for corruption. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_H._Parker_(police_officer) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_H._Parker_(police_offic...