Before the Commission

Police officials who appeared before the Christopher Commission included: Daryl F. Gates, Police Chief Born: Aug. 30, 1926, in Glendale. Education: Graduated from USC in 1950 with a BS degree in public administration; in 1965 completed one year of graduate study there. Career: Joined force in 1949 after serving two years in the Navy in the South Pacific. Rose through ranks from sergeant to assistant chief in 14 years. Succeeded Chief Edward M. Davis in 1978, becoming the city’s 49th police chief.

Robert L. Vernon, Assistant Police Chief Born: July 31, 1933, in Los Angeles Education: Majored in Bible studies at Biola University in La Mirada in 1953; graduated from Pepperdine University with an MBA in 1974. Career: A 37-year LAPD veteran, rose to rank of assistant chief in 1979. Now oversees day-to-day running of department’s 18 police stations and deployment of all uniformed personnel.

David D. Dotson, Assistant Police Chief Born: April 9, 1933, in Iowa. Education: Graduated with an AA degree from the College of the Canyons in Valencia; later attended Pepperdine University. Career: Joined force in 1958. Promoted to sergeant in 1964 and captain in 1972. Later became deputy chief in charge of narcotics and vice operations. In March, named director of office of administrative services. Until Thursday, in charge of Internal Affairs Division.

Jesse A. Brewer, Retired Assistant Police Chief Born: Oct. 11, 1921. Education: Graduated with a BA in public administration from Shaw University in North Carolina in 1974; MPA from USC in 1977. Career: Joined force in 1952 after five years as a Chicago police officer. Promoted to deputy chief in 1981, and named one of three assistant chiefs in 1987. Retired on March 1, 1991, after a 38-year career; was highest-ranking black in history of department.