![\"http:\/\/latimesblogs.latimes.com\/photos\/uncategorized\/2008\/04\/16\/gates.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/latimesblogs.latimes.com\/photos\/uncategorized\/2008\/04\/16\/gates.jpg\" "\\"http:\/\/latimesblogs.latimes.com\/photos\/uncategorized\/2008\/04\/16\/gates.jpg\\"")
<\/img>Former Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl F. Gates, who led the department for 14 years, has been hospitalized with a serious medical condition, the current chief said Tuesday.<\/p>\n <\/img>Former Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl F. Gates, who led the department for 14 years, has been hospitalized with a serious medical condition, the current chief said Tuesday.<\/p>\n
\n Chief Charlie Beck informed the police commission during its Tuesday meeting that he had visited the former LAPD chief in the hospital over the weekend. Beck said Gates, 83, had a "very serious malady." He did not describe the nature of Gates’ illness.<\/p>\n
"I ask everyone to keep him in their prayers," Beck said.<\/p>\n
\n Gates began his career as the driver for former Chief William H. Parker. Throughout his career he made headlines, often verbally sparring with Mayor Tom Bradley and council members.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Known as the father of the modern SWAT team, he retired in the wake of the 1992 riots after the Rodney G. King beating trial. Prior to the riots, the Christopher Commission had issued a scathing report on the department under Gates.<\/p>\n
Many police experts say Gates help developed many of the tactical responses used in modern policing. Gates, who attended Beck’s recent swearing-in as chief, remained a popular figure with rank-and-file officers.<\/p>\n
[For the record, 1:40 p.m.:<\/strong> An earlier version of the post incorrectly listed Gates’ age as 82. It also said\u00a0 he resigned following the 1992 riots. Gates’ retirement was actually prompted by the Christopher Commission report, which was critical of his leadership and came before the riots.]<\/p>\n Update on Gates’ condition<\/a><\/p>\n <\/br><\/p>\n — Richard Winton <\/p>\n Photo: Los Angeles Times \nMore breaking news in L.A. Now:<\/strong><\/p>\n Early morning blaze in South L.A. destroys residential building<\/a><\/p>\n Anaheim business owner caught between city laws and taggers<\/a><\/p>\n Baby elephant born on Valentine’s Day at Wild Animal Park<\/a><\/p>\n
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