Crossword Genius

Cop turned killer in LA? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

officer

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'cop' is the definition.
(police officer)

'turned killer in la?' is the wordplay.
'turned' becomes 'off' (synonyms).
'killer in la?' becomes 'icer' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'off'+'icer'='OFFICER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for officer that I've seen before include "He holds a commission" , "Higher-ranking soldier" , "Commissioned member of armed forces" , "served in the wardroom" , "Police constable" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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