Timothy M. Brennan and Robert Ladd

Lore & Background

Brennan and Ladd joined the Compton Police Department in 1982 and 1983, respectively. In 1988, they were promoted to become Compton's two-man gang unit, responsible for dealing with over 55 gangs in the 10.1 square mile city. They investigated or assisted investigations involving Tupac Shakur, Marion 'Suge' Knight, David 'DJ Quik' Blake, Eric 'Eazy-E' Wright, Calvin 'Snoop Dogg' Broadus, Eric 'Lil Eazy' Wright, Jr., Jayceon 'The Game' Taylor, and Christopher 'Biggie Smalls' Wallace. They are featured in the Noisey/Vice.com film 'The Story Of Fuck Tha Police' and the A&E miniseries 'Streets of Compton'. Their book 'Once Upon A Time In Compton' was published on April 25, 2017. Brennan died on November 16, 2021; Ladd later confirmed to DJ Vlad that Brennan died from cancer.

Reader's Guide

Brennan and Ladd each retired from law enforcement in 2014 and resided in Orange County. They remained involved in providing gang training to schools, businesses, law enforcement, U.S. military personnel, and police departments in Europe. They provided gang-related intelligence and evidence for prosecution across the country.

Did You Know?

• Brennan and Ladd were both white officers in a predominantly African American police department.
• A young DJ Quik released an underground rap song called 'Blondie' describing Brennan.
• The Compton Police Department was disbanded on September 16, 2000.