Former Police Chief Speaks Out About Police Culture

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published December 28, 2006 at 8:30 PM PST

This story was published more than 17 years ago.

After a 34-year career in law enforcement, the former assistant chief of San Diego Police Department is raising a ruckus in retirement as he breaks ranks to speak out about racism, sexism, homophobia

This segment originally aired November 14, 2006. Police departments are used to criticism, but it’s rare when it comes from one of their own. Norm Stamper started his career as a beat cop with the San Diego Police Department. Over 28 years, he rose through the ranks to become assistant chief of police. In 1994, he became Seattle’s police chief, a post he held until he resigned in 2000 after the World Trade Organization meeting there spawned rioting. Now retired, he’s written

a provocative memoir titled B reaking Rank: A Top Cop's Exposé of the Dark Side of American Policing. Guest

Become a KPBS sponsor

Norm Stamper , retired police chief, author, B reaking Rank: A Top Cop's Exposé of the Dark Side of American Policing.