Bernard C. Parks is a retired American law enforcement officer and politician best known for serving as the 53rd Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) from 1997 to 2002. Born in Beaumont, Texas, Parks moved to Los Angeles as a child and graduated from Fremont High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1968 before joining the LAPD in 1969 as a patrol officer. Over a 32-year career with the department, he rose through the ranks, becoming a captain, commander, and deputy chief, with notable roles in internal affairs and community relations. His tenure as chief was marked by efforts to reform the department following the Rampart scandal, though it was controversial due to criticisms over his management style and handling of officer-involved shootings. Parks was succeeded by William J. Bratton in 2002 after being removed by newly elected Mayor James Hahn. Following his retirement from the LAPD, Parks entered politics, winning election to the Los Angeles City Council in 2002, representing the 8th District until 2011. During his council tenure, he focused on public safety, economic development, and community issues in South Los Angeles, including oversight of the LAPD as chair of the Public Safety Committee. He ran unsuccessfully for LA County Sheriff in 2010. Parks has been involved in various controversies, including allegations of cronyism during his LAPD leadership and criticism for his role in the department's response to the 1992 Los Angeles riots as deputy chief. Post-retirement, he has remained active in civic affairs, consulting on law enforcement matters and advocating for police reform.