Where cops eat

Amid the culinary smorgasbord of L.A., the equally diverse police officer palate runs the gamut from savory to sweet, spanning nearly every cuisine and culture.

Amid the culinary smorgasbord of L.A., the equally diverse police officer palate runs the gamut from savory to sweet, spanning nearly every cuisine and culture.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

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Where cops eat

Sgt. Chris Cognac, a 16-year South Bay police veteran, is a fan of the tacos at Acosta Taco on Imperial Highway in Inglewood, where he is usually seen eating off the hood of his patrol car, as he was here on March 13, 2008.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Where cops eat

Gabriel Rendon and Raymonn Rocha, detectives with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department’s East L.A. station, can be seen having their lunch at Teresita’s restaurant in East L.A. usually twice a week.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Where cops eat

Sgt. Chris Cognac has discovered more than a few hidden culinary gems on the job. One night about 15 years ago, he answered a disturbance call at Al-Watan on Inglewood Boulevard. Two men were arguing over whether the meat was prepared in accordance with Islamic law. Cognac couldn’t resolve their dispute, but began a love affair with the legendary Pakistani restaurant.  (Elina Shatkin / Los Angeles Times)

Where cops eat

El Pollo Inka in Lawndale was the first restaurant in the local, Peruvian mini chain. It specializes in pollo a la brasa (rotisserie chicken) and lomo saltado -- beef sauteed with tomatoes, onions and French fries. They also serve big, tasty plates of ceviche.  (Elina Shatkin / Los Angeles Times)