Los Angeles Police Concert Band

Established in 1914, the LAPD Band was comprised entirely of sworn officers and played for police graduations, civic functions, and Los Angeles schools. Volunteers assisted the band as their performance needs changed. Following the passage in 1978 of Proposition 13, active police officers had to dedicate their duty hours to enforcement, and, in response, the band was disbanded. Subsequently, a group of civic leaders, headed by Bob Ahmanson and Gene Rodenberry, formed an all-volunteer band under the direction of John Campbell. Soon after the formation, John Campbell retired.