Brian S. Bentley, a former officer of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), gained prominence for his candid revelations about police misconduct within the force. His book, One Time: The Story of a South Central Los Angeles Police Officer, offers an unflinching look into the systemic issues of brutality and corruption that plagued the department during his tenure.
Early Life and LAPD Career
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Bentley joined the LAPD in November 1989, receiving badge number 27103. He began his career at the West Los Angeles Division, completing his probationary period there before transferring to the Southwest Division. Notably, Bentley was among the few officers who resided in the same community they patrolled, providing him with a unique perspective on the dynamics between law enforcement and the local populace.
Exposure to Corruption and Internal Challenges
During his service, Bentley became aware of widespread misconduct among his colleagues. However, when subjected to an eleven-hour interrogation by Internal Affairs, he was coerced into denying any knowledge of such activities. The sergeants warned him of potential termination and prosecution if he admitted to witnessing corruption, leaving him with no choice but to comply.
Bentley’s tenure coincided with the infamous Rampart scandal, a widespread corruption case within the LAPD’s Rampart Division. He was acquainted with officers like David Mack, who was convicted of bank robbery, and Kevin Gaines, who was fatally shot by another officer under contentious circumstances. Bentley defended Gaines, asserting that he was unjustly implicated in the scandal and clarifying misconceptions about his associations.
Authorship and Revelations
In 1997, Bentley authored One Time: The Story of a South Central Los Angeles Police Officer, providing a graphic depiction of his involvement in suspect beatings and the gratification he and his partners derived from such actions. The term “One Time” is urban slang for “the Police.” The book offers readers a firsthand account of how police brutality was accepted and encouraged within law enforcement. Bentley candidly discusses the transformation from a community-focused officer to one who became an “aggressive predator of gang members,” shedding light on the internal culture that fostered such behavior.
Impact and Legacy
The publication of Bentley’s book had profound personal and professional repercussions. He was dismissed from the LAPD in 1999, a consequence he attributes to his decision to expose the department’s internal issues. Despite the personal cost, Bentley’s revelations contributed to the broader discourse on police reform and accountability, offering an insider’s perspective on the challenges of addressing systemic misconduct.
Personal Life
Beyond his law enforcement career, Bentley is the father of Jordan S. Bentley, the CEO of Hypland Worldwide Clothing and a star of Issa Rae’s reality show “Sweet Life: Los Angeles.” This connection highlights a family legacy of entrepreneurship and public engagement.
Selected Bibliography
One Time: The Story of a South Central Los Angeles Police Officer (1997)
Honor Without Integrity
Hit Me Once, Hit Me Twice
Conclusion
Brian S. Bentley’s journey from LAPD officer to whistleblower and author underscores the complexities of confronting institutional corruption. His firsthand accounts provide valuable insights into the cultural and systemic challenges within law enforcement, contributing to ongoing conversations about police reform and accountability.
