Mervin Paul King (August 1, 1914 – March 18, 2008)[1] was a Captain for the Los Angeles Police Department who commanded officers during the SLA shootout in 1974.

He served with United States Navy from 1934 to 1946 and participated in combat operations in the Pacific Theater of World War II on both the USS Hutchins, a Fletcher-class destroyer, and the USS Markab, a destroyer tender.

His recognition included that of the Los Angeles City Council for supervising the investigation of the Alphabet Bomber and an improvised explosive device detonated at Los Angeles International Airport.

shootout led him to be commended by the Los Angeles City Council again for his supervision of the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) investigation, one which "broke the back and thrust of the SLA".

[2] King spent the greater part of his life as a resident of Alhambra, California, dedicated to his wife Pauline of nearly 68 years, and their family including children Terence Michael King, Thomas Patrick King, and Kathryn Mary (Brandlin); 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren.