I read some comment that in the post Gates era the Los Angeles police stopped going after bigger fish and just started straight out prosecuting little fish. Which probably worked better.

The problem with the previous way was criminals would turn 'states evidence' and either finger other little fish, or littler fish, innocent people[1], or big fish already in jail. Then they'd get released and go back to committing crimes. Not to mention the police protecting criminals that made a career out of turning in people as a form of protection.

[1] This happened to friends of mine.