LAPD / Watts

In the midst of the U.S. national debate about policing, The Guardian sent Rory Carrroll and I on a ride along with police officers from the Los Angeles Police Department's Southeast Division, which is responsible for a high crime area encompassing Watts and many housing projects such as Imperial Courts, Jordon Downs, Nickerson Gardens, and Gonzaque Village.

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A boy speaks with Sgt. Urbina in Imperial Courts.

Driving out of the station parking lot. Before and after a shift, officers take care to ensure they are not being observed or followed when leaving the station.

Sergeant Scott Carty.

Sergeant Scott Carty explains how to read the walls in order to keep updated on the latest with local gangs.

Children and their grandfather riding in Watts Towers of Simon Rodia State Historic Park.

Sergeants Scott Carty and Chris Urbina give their perspective on policing in the Watts neighborhood in Los Angeles.

A local resident looks on as officers respond to a call involving people and their property being held against their will. This took place around the block from the police station.

An officer checks in on one of the "patients." Many of them said they had not been outside for days. The officers were trying to determine whether the men inside the building were part of a legal substance abuse program or being held against their will.

The men inside reported living in bleak conditions, and without access to the outside world.

One of the patients details his experience in the substance abuse program.

The officers found themselves in a difficult position, unsure whether or not the program being held in this building was operating under proper legal authority.

An officer examines correspondence and other documents, looking for more information about the situation.

LAPD conducting interviews outside the building.

The officers ended up interviewing most of the patients.

Eventually, the most senior officer on duty was called in to make a call. The patients had been sleeping on the blankets.

Men collect their perosnal belongings, such as belts and cell phones.

A cabinet containing some of the patients' personal items.

Officers wrap up their investigation. They would eventually let all the men leave the building.

Sgt. Carty and Sgt. Urbina responding to a call in Watts.

Officer Perez, who has worked for an almost unheard of 23 years in the field, concludes a friendly conversation with a local resident. Sgt Urbina interviews in the background

Gonzaque Village

A man, in a bullet-riddled van, holds up his middle finger as he yelled "fuck you faggot." Jordan Downs.

Sgt. Carty watches 2 young men walk by in Nickerson Gardens. Red is the color of the Bounty Hunter Bloods gang, which is based in this government housing project.

A man, sitting in the median of the road with his friends, waves hello to police.

The officers speed towards an ongoing car pursuit.