Sept. 25, 1963 - Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy today commended the Los Angeles Police Department for its fight against organized crime. Kennedy told a Senate investigations subcommittee that the LAPD under Chief William Parker (left) is a notable example of the contribution of local law enforcement officials to the efforts of federal agencies in fighting racketeers. In Los Angeles, Chief Parker, pleasantly surprised by Kennedy’s remarks, said: “I’m awfully happy about this — more than flattered.” Parker pointed out that his department has cooperated with both the Kefauver and McClellan investigating committees. He said the information that former gangland executioner Joseph Valachi has provided the Justice Department recently appears “well informed.” Valachi is expected to be the star witness at the current hearings. Parker said the “few” people in the Los Angeles area associated with Cosa Nostra, also known as the Mafia, are known and “well neutralized.”
