Complete L.A. Noir




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Crusaders in the underworld: The LAPD takes on organized crime
First of seven parts
By Paul Lieberman
The Gangster Squad was formed in 1946 to keep East Coast Mafia out of L.A. Its 'anything goes' approach endured through the 1950s in an era when justice was found far from the courthouse.
October 26, 2008

Solid tip saves the crew
Second of seven parts
By Paul Lieberman
Facing a columnist's criticism and police chief's disapproval, the squad stays intact after an informant comes through with dirt on Mickey Cohen and a certain journalist's husband.
October 27, 2008

The Gangster Squad sets a trap for Mickey Cohen
Third of seven parts
By Paul Lieberman
While mob killings like the Two Tonys murders remain unsolved, the squad savors Cohen's conviction on federal charges of income tax evasion -- and sets a trap for him.
October 28, 2008

Cop befriends a crook
Fourth of seven parts
By Paul Lieberman
New member of the Gangster Squad, Sgt. Jerry Wooters, becomes the foe of Mickey Cohen and a friend of Jack 'the Enforcer' Whalen.
October 29, 2008

Fatal advice to The Enforcer, 'Don’t take any firearms'
Fifth of seven parts
By Paul Lieberman
The two work together until one is exiled to night shift patrol and the other heads for a showdown with Mickey Cohen.
October 30, 2008

A bullet between the eyes at Rondelli's
Sixth of seven parts
By Paul Lieberman
Jack 'the Enforcer' Whalen follows the advice of his friend on the LAPD and calls on Mickey Cohen and his associates . . . unarmed.
October 31, 2008

Noir justice catches up with Mickey Cohen
Seventh of seven parts
By Paul Lieberman
The Gangster Squad springs a trap set years ago for the mobster, but 'Freddie the Thief' looks for revenge far from the courtroom in the killing of his son, 'the Enforcer.'
November 1, 2008

Cast of characters
The LAPD Gangster Squad and the mobsters of the 1940s and 1950s shared a tangled weave of relationships. Explore the connections.

By Paul Lieberman
Jack Webb polished the department's image, and it returned the favor.
November 1, 2008