Los Angeles Police Department Records of the Robert F. Kennedy Assassination Investigation, ca. 1968-1978

Summary

Creators:

Los Angeles (Calif.). Police Dept.

Language:

English.

Background

Scope and content:

When the California State Archives received the Kennedy assassination investigation records in August 1987, it was apparent that the records would require special treatment. In examining the material, one is immediately struck by both the magnitude of the investigation and the size and types of records generated by it. Among the 50,000 pages created by Special Unit Senator (SUS) may be found a card index of over 8,200 entries, over 4,800 interviews, nearly 2,900 photographs, 155 items of physical evidence, and a bewildering number and variety of audio and videotapes. In all, the investigation consumed over 6,400 personnel hours during a thirteen-month period and cost in excess of $289,000.

To a great extent, the records have been organized following the filing system and order established by SUS, as is customary in archival practice. Series titles have been retained except in a few cases when they seemed confusing or misleading. Significant duplication shows up throughout the records. That is, a particular report or interview may appear in several aspects of the investigation. In order to document this practice, such duplication has not been eliminated unless it occurred within the same file unit.

The records are divided into four distinct groups. The largest group by far consists of the records of Special Unit Senator, 1968-1969, which conducted the investigation. The bulk of the SUS records relate to the interview process -- Interviews (series #11), Transcripts (series #22), or Tape Recorded Interviews (series #30). Other large series exist on conspiracies -- Conspiracy Investigation Files (series #27), and on the Final Reports (series #12). The second group is relatively small in comparison, but significant. These are the Re-investigative Files, 1974-1978, which focus on many of the "second-gun" theories that surfaced after Sirhan's trial. The third body of materials comprise the exhibits found in Sirhan's trial in Los Angeles County Superior Court, The People of the State of California v. Sirhan Bishara Sirhan (A233421). The fourth group of records are the Wolfer Board records which constitute an internal investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department into allegations against DeWayne Wolfer who conducted the ballistic studies in the case.

A researcher should be aware that, with few exceptions, access to the records will be provided through a user version of a 16mm microfilm copy. Microfilm roll numbers are printed next to each microfilmed series described in the guide. This has been done not only to preclude use of information excluded from public access by state law, but also to ensure preservation of the originals. A number of items have been copied to facilitate use of the records. All motion picture film and U-matic videotapes have been transferred to a cassette format with, in some cases, enhanced sound qualities. Copy negatives have been produced for all photographs where none existed previously. The entire collection has been microfilmed for security purposes.

From the beginning, every effort has been made to provide the fullest possible disclosure of the records. In many instances, though particular series contained sensitive information, a decision was made to open the records for examination. These decisions were made through a determination that the historical significance of the investigation and the "public's right to know" outweighed an "individual's right to privacy". As a result, in the few places where restrictions are noted, the justification is firmly rooted in California statutory law. This is true for the following categories: all records relating to arrests and convictions created by the State Department of Justice, Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation; fingerprint records; records with any information about the arrest or conviction of juveniles; school records containing student names; autopsy photographs; and selected personnel documents from the aforementioned Wolfer Board records. In addition, two other types of records are restricted: FBI records; and police records from agencies other than the Los Angeles Police Department noted as "confidential". Researchers who desire access to these latter records should contact the FBI or appropriate originating jurisdiction directly.

A body of related information may be found elsewhere. The Robert F. Kennedy Assassination Archives at Southeastern Massachusetts University (North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747) contains a large collection of materials on the case. Included among these records are files donated by several writers and researchers and materials purchased from the National Archives and Records Administration-Pacific Southwest Region, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office, and the FBI. Another source of information is the Assassination Archives and Research Center (918 "F" Street, N.W., Suite 510, Washington, D.C. 20004). The Center maintains an extensive collection of government documents, interviews, unpublished manuscripts, photographs, audio tapes, and secondary works. These materials may be regarded as supplementing the records described in this guide, although doubtless some minor duplication exists. The California State Archives also maintains other records of interest, including Sirhan's appeal to the State Supreme Court (Case No. 14026).

Most researchers and, in particular, those unfamiliar with the investigation, will find a review of the ten-volume, uncensored version of the final report to be a useful starting point. The report summarizes in much detail the work of the investigation and draws heavily from records to be found in almost every other series. A table of contents for this report may be found in Appendix B of the guide. In addition, a number of indices are interspersed throughout the collection which, in some cases, provide detailed information concerning the contents of the series in question. Whenever present, these indices will be located at the beginning of the microfilmed series.

Questions about restricted materials, use and availability of materials, and other matters related to the records, should be addressed in writing to Nancy Zimmelman at the California State Archives.

Physical description:

ca. 50,000 pages

Location of this collection:

California State Archives

1020 "O" Street

Sacramento, CA 95814, US

Contact:

(916) 653-2246

reference@sos.ca.gov

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