Episode 95 – Filipino American Gangs, Part 2: Law Enforcement
Explicit content warning
09/18/19 • 95 min
Historically, police departments have had a history of tense and even hostile relations with communities of color, with the Los Angeles Police Department as one of the most notorious. Looking back as far as the 1960’s and 1970’s, the LAPD has had police chiefs at the helm whose approach to law enforcement was not only aggressive, but paramilitary. What emerged in the later decades from the 80’s into the early 2000’s was an LAPD culture that was “anti-gang” equipped with policies with the intent of harassment, beatings, killings, and making lots of arrests.
Three years ago when we released our third podcast episode – “Filipino American Gangs in SoCal: Where are you from and where are you now?” – we wanted to look back at a time when gang crime was at its peak in California and how it affected Filipino American lives. On this episode, we wanted to extend that conversation. But, this time, we reflect back through eyes of our guest, decorated LAPD Gang Detective, Craig Marquez. Craig talks to us about growing up in Hawaii, becoming a cop, and, of course, Filipino American gangs. We look back what policing was like in the 1990’s and early 2000’s, and discuss what it’s evolved to today. TFAL talks about gang injunctions, the “Rampart Scandal,” systematic oppression of communities of color, and we even share our own experiences growing up not only fearing gangs, but fearing cops.
Whether or not we have mixed emotions about the law enforcement system as a whole, we hope we continue to remain vigilant and hopeful that law enforcement can truly protect and serve ALL people. Having the presence of Filipino Americans, like Craig, in law enforcement can perhaps be a small step in getting there.
Listen through the embedded player below, download directly here, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts here. For folks who are on Spotify, you can take a listen to us here.
Have any opinions about Filipino American gangs and law enforcement? Leave a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL (8325) or email us at [email protected].
Historically, police departments have had a history of tense and even hostile relations with communities of color, with the Los Angeles Police Department as one of the most notorious. Looking back as far as the 1960’s and 1970’s, the LAPD has had police chiefs at the helm whose approach to law enforcement was not only aggressive, but paramilitary. What emerged in the later decades from the 80’s into the early 2000’s was an LAPD culture that was “anti-gang” equipped with policies with the intent of harassment, beatings, killings, and making lots of arrests.
Three years ago when we released our third podcast episode – “Filipino American Gangs in SoCal: Where are you from and where are you now?” – we wanted to look back at a time when gang crime was at its peak in California and how it affected Filipino American lives. On this episode, we wanted to extend that conversation. But, this time, we reflect back through eyes of our guest, decorated LAPD Gang Detective, Craig Marquez. Craig talks to us about growing up in Hawaii, becoming a cop, and, of course, Filipino American gangs. We look back what policing was like in the 1990’s and early 2000’s, and discuss what it’s evolved to today. TFAL talks about gang injunctions, the “Rampart Scandal,” systematic oppression of communities of color, and we even share our own experiences growing up not only fearing gangs, but fearing cops.
Whether or not we have mixed emotions about the law enforcement system as a whole, we hope we continue to remain vigilant and hopeful that law enforcement can truly protect and serve ALL people. Having the presence of Filipino Americans, like Craig, in law enforcement can perhaps be a small step in getting there.
Listen through the embedded player below, download directly here, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts here. For folks who are on Spotify, you can take a listen to us here.
Have any opinions about Filipino American gangs and law enforcement? Leave a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL (8325) or email us at [email protected].
Previous Episode
Episode 94 – Filipino Americans in Wrestling and Comics: A TFAL & PNGpodcast crossover with Scott Lost
Photo by Charles Collyer
While at San Diego Comic Con this year Elaine and Producer Mike were lucky enough to speak with Scott Lost, former professional wrestler turned comic book artist. Scott is one of the founders of Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, an independent wrestling company that has alums such as TJP, the Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, Ricochet, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, and more.
After leaving professional wrestling behind Scott founded Accidental Aliens, a San Diego based art studio, creating stories with characters that he always wanted to see in comic books.
This episode is also a special cross over episode with the new Pencil Neck Geeks podcast on the Geek Say What network. PNG podcast comprises of Berto Ponce (Balut Club founder), Elaine from TFAL, and Justin Mallari of Geek Offensive. PNG podcast will be coming out soon, so follow the show on instagram (@PNGpodcast) for updates!
Photo by Charles Collyer
Listen through the embedded player below, download directly here, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts here. For folks who are on Spotify, you can take a listen to us here.
Interested in ProWrestlingLoot and want a chance to purchase some of Scott’s artwork? You can find them here: ProWrestlingLoot
And for folks interested in the spots that Scott mentions in the episode here are a few links for you!
Jan 30th, 2010 – The Great Muta & KAI def. Joey Ryan and Scott Lost at #PWG Kurt Russellreunion.
https://t.co/ZpBNe20Juw pic.twitter.com/1BArnsEz8I
— cozy superkick (@cozysuperkick) January 30, 2018
Thoughts on Filipino Americans in comics? in wrestling? Let us know by leaving a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL (8325) or email us at [email protected].
Next Episode
Episode 96 – Human Trafficking: A Conversation with Damayan and Mairi Nunag
In early September, Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California (PWC) hosted an anti-human trafficking summit, bringing together survivors, advocates, and leaders from throughout the country. After two days of workshops, panels, and performances, the participants launched the Baklas campaign (Filipino for dismantle / break free), a national effort to end human trafficking.
Post-summit, TFAL got a chance to sit down with Linda Oalican, Executive Director and Founding Member of Damayan Migrant Workers Association, as well as Lydia Catina, a Case Manager & Organizer, and Edith Mendoza, a Community Organizer & Damayan Migrant Workers Cooperative Coordinator. Also joining us in the conversation is Mairi Nunag, an educator who came to the US through a Labor Broker that promised teaching jobs but through a scheme not unlike indentured servitude.
Thank you to Wowie at PWC for making this conversation possible. And since this episode was recorded at PWC and not our usual recording space, there is a slight hum from the air conditioning in the room that we couldn’t completely tune out. Otherwise, please take a listen, and please share your thoughts in the comments!
Listen through the embedded player below, download directly here or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts here. For folks who are on Spotify, you can take a listen to us here.
PC: AFP and PWC
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