LOS ANGELES March 10, 2000(AP) — While the Los Angeles Police Department focuses on weeding out rogue cops in the wake of a corruption scandal, one of its own and a former officer who sell LAPD paraphernalia online are raking in the bucks.
Web site cashing in on LAPD scandal
The recent controversy surrounding an elite anti-gang unit operating in the Rampart neighborhood has boosted sales of the Rampart patches and T-shirts, according to the owners of www.lapdgear.com.
The site also peddles patches, hats, jackets and T-shirts bearing emblems and logos from other LAPD units.
Former Port Hueneme Police officer Wayne Tidwell and an active LAPD officer launched the site last fall. Tidwell's partner did not want to be identified, fearing reprisal from the LAPD.
"Everybody loves to hate cops. All you have is each other and the fact that you love your job. Logos are a part of that camaraderie," Tidwell said.
A percentage of the site's profits go to various Police memorial foundations. The site acknowledges that it is not authorized by the LAPD.
"This is most unfortunate," LAPD Cmdr. David J. Kalish said of the site.
The corruption scandal has led to 40 convictions being overturned and 20 officers being relieved of duty.
