Michael Godward was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Michael Godward was born in 1947 in downtown Los Angeles and is a third-generation Los Angelino. He embarked on a career in law enforcement after initially working as a machinist apprentice and later as an air crewman in the Navy reserves. The interview begins with Godward describing his early life and education. He attended elementary school in Los Angeles before his family moved to Covina, California, where he completed high school. After high school, Godward pursued a career in aircraft maintenance, obtaining an Associate in Science degree from Mount San Antonio Junior College. However, due to a scarcity of jobs in that field, he transitioned to a career in law enforcement, starting with a position as a boarding officer at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Godward recounts his transfer to the Port of Los Angeles Police, motivated by the lack of promotion opportunities at LAX. He describes the differences between airport security and port security, emphasizing the specialized nature of port policing, which involves enforcing a variety of laws, including the Penal Code of California, the municipal code of Los Angeles, and the port tariff. He details the extensive and varied responsibilities of port police, ranging from inspecting hazardous materials and enforcing fire codes to maintaining relationships with tenants and other regulatory bodies. Throughout the interview, Godward reflects on his experiences and challenges in port policing. He discusses the dynamic nature of his work, the importance of inter-agency cooperation with entities such as the LAPD, Coast Guard, and U.S. Customs, and the impact of significant events like the 1984 Olympics on security operations. He shares anecdotes about various incidents, including drug interdiction cases and his memorable early days on patrol. Godward also touches on the evolution of the Port of Los Angeles Police, noting the professionalization and increased training that have occurred over the years. He expresses pride in the department's status as one of the most highly trained port policing entities in the world. The interview concludes with Godward reflecting on the camaraderie and sense of family within the police force and the unique challenges and rewards of working in port security.