Police harass Japanese social club in Los Angeles

Heading: (California - Los Angeles)
Author:
Title: Legal summons relating to a restraining order sought against several Los Angeles Police officers who were harassing the owners and members of the Little Tokio Social Club of Los Angeles
Place Published: Los Angeles
Publisher:
Date Published: 10 Oct. 1929
Description:

8 leaves including cover. 34x22 cm (14x8½").

Typed and printed legal document titled "The Little Tokio Social Club of Los Angeles, Plaintiff, vs. James E. Davis, et al.", summoning the defendants James E. Davis (Chief of LAPD), Ray E. Button, First Doe, Second Doe and Third Doe to appear in court. They are accused of a "systematic course of harassment of the plaintiff, during which time... both in the day and in the night, with force and arms, have invaded and trespassed upon... the said club rooms of the plaintiff and to interfere with, molest and intimidate the members of said club..." The club had "a large number of members, all of whom are Japanese people..."

James Edgar Daviswas an American police officer who served as the chief of the LAPD from 1926 to 1929, and from 1933 to 1939. During his first term as LAPD chief, Davis emphasized firearms training. Under Davis, the LAPD developed its lasting reputation as an organization that relied on brute force to enforce public order. It also became very publicly entangled in corruption. Members of the LAPD were revealed to have undertaken a campaign of brutal harassment, including the bombings of political reformers who had incurred the wrath of the department and the civic administration.

Under Chief Davis, civil service reforms were implemented in the City Charter via the ballot initiative process that insulated the police department from political influence.
Condition Report: Normal wear, overall very good.