"While the news of these settlements was not unexpected, it is disturbing that such actions have occurred. This is precisely why this Police Commission, last summer, directed the Inspector General to examine retaliation within the Los Angeles Police Department. The Commission expects to receive the Inspector General’s report next month. As my fellow Commissioners and I hold zero tolerance for retaliation within the LAPD, we are anxious to see the Inspector General’s report which will be an analysis of retaliation-related complaints and law suits.

The incidents which led to the law suits in question occurred two to three years ago and I feel that we have made significant progress since then in our treatment of officers who come forward to report misconduct. In fact, the Commission is currently accepting nominations for the prestigious Police Commission Integrity Award, which is only awarded to an individual when he or she steps forward to report misconduct. There should never be an impediment keeping officers from coming forward and the concept that any form of retaliation is occurring is unacceptable to this Commission."