Retired LAPD detective offers reflection on protests following George Floyd death 28 years after working LA riots

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Images of police brutality and anger over the treatment of minorities by law enforcement officers brings back painful memories of the beating of Rodney King nearly 30 years ago. Former LAPD detective Moses Castillo reflects on what happened then, and what's happening now.

Long before videos of police brutality went viral online, a single recording of the brutal beating of Rodney King was broadcast across the country. Americans watched in horror. The next year, fury over the acquittal of four LAPD officers involved erupted in the L.A. Riots of 1992. Recently retired LAPD Detective Moses Castillo had just joined the force.

"Fires everywhere. It was chaotic. When I see that today it breaks my heart," said Sgt. Castillo.

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On April 29, 1992, a jury acquitted four LAPD officers in the beating of Rodney King, sparking the L.A. riots.

Nearly three decades later, we again see protesters marching through the streets of Los Angeles, speaking out against racism and police brutality in the wake of George Floyd's killing.

"There's no justification. What happened to George Floyd should never have happened," said Castillo. "It's evil. It's awful."

It has also energized separate groups full of disrupters and opportunists; setting fires and looting from neighborhood businesses.

"It was about a three-day delay back then in 1992 before we got the National Guard on scene," said Castillo. "So I'm thankful that this time around, it didn't take three days to get the National Guard."

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Some 25 years after the L.A. riots, there are only a handful of reporters still at ABC7 who were covering it. One of them is anchor Marc Brown, who shared his indelible and troubling memories.

Castillo believes their presence will help save lives. Recognizing continued concerns over the policing of black and brown communities, the former detective says law enforcement agencies can do more.

"The image of the police department should mirror the image of the community it serves," said Castillo. "Police departments across the country, take a second look. Look at the demographics, look at their department. And if it doesn't mirror the image of their community start working to make that happen."

Castillo pointed out some graffiti that he found especially hurtful.

"Those tagged letters ACAB, 'all cops are bad,' I want to put an N at the beginning of that and say not all cops are bad."

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