The controversial chief, whose tenure ran from 1978 to 1992, spent his entire four-decade career at the LAPD, where he won national attention for innovative approaches to crime fighting and prevention: He instituted military-style SWAT teams to handle crises and the gentler DARE classroom program to prevent drug abuse. These initiatives, emulated by police departments across the United States, and other advances, such as a communications system that reduced police response times, bolstered his reputation as an exemplar of modern law enforcement. President George H.W. Bush called him an "all-American hero."

A proud emblem of progress to some, he was a disturbing symbol of stagnation to others. When the city went up in flames over the acquittal of four white officers accused of beating black motorist Rodney King, he was castigated as a leader out of touch with the changing realities of the city, yet to the end he remained righteous about his authority to police it.

"Daryl Gates was a one-in-a-million human being," Chief Charlie Beck said. "He inspired others to succeed and, in doing so, changed the landscape of law enforcement around the world."

"Los Angeles has suffered a great loss," said Paul Weber, president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League.

Gates "was a man of courage and character who had a deep commitment to the rule of law, with a deep pride in the LAPD," Weber said.

"Chief Gates was a cop's cop, revolutionizing critical policing tactics and changing the face of modern law enforcement around ... the world."

Gates was born Aug. 30, 1926. He grew up in Glendale and Highland Park in Los Angeles, according to his department biography. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Navy for a two-year tour and he later earned degrees from the University of Southern California.

The Los Angeles native joined the police department Sept. 16, 1949, according to Media Relations. He eventually landed a plum job as driver for then-Chief William Parker – a relationship that helped him move up through the ranks and eventually land the department's top job in 1978.

He was later instrumental in developing the first SWAT team in the nation and developing the anti-drug effort DARE.

Thirty-four people died in the rioting, and hundreds of buildings were torched.

Gates retired under pressure on June 28, 1992.

Gates feuded with many, including casual drug users and the city's first black mayor.

He was not seen as a reformer of the department from the outside, but within the department, Gates was loved.

He also formed the C.R.A.S.H. unit, the hard-driving group of officers that went after gangsters in Los Angeles during some of the most violent gang crime in the city's history. The group also became known for being overly aggressive, beating up non-gang members.

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