The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has paid more than $68.5 million in settlements over internal lawsuits during the past five years, according to city records.
The number of high-value cases has surged, with 70% of lawsuits resulting in payouts exceeding $1 million occurring in the past three years.
Data from the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office shows that since 2019, the city settled 13 lawsuits involving $1 million or more. Nine of these cases were resolved in the last three years. According to a May 14 report by the Los Angeles Times, many of the lawsuits alleged sexual harassment, retaliation, and racial discrimination, resulting in significant financial liabilities for the city.
Experts criticized the ongoing burden on taxpayers, highlighting that Los Angeles, which is already facing financial challenges, is using public funds to cover these settlement costs.
High-Profile Cases Highlight Systemic Issues
One of the most notable settlements involved a former LAPD K-9 unit officer who alleged harassment over his Samoan heritage, including ridicule from colleagues and false rumors. The city agreed to pay $11.5 million in March 2023, the highest amount in any internal LAPD lawsuit over the past five years.
Another case saw an LAPD officer awarded $4.5 million after he claimed to have been demoted and subjected to retaliation for exposing overtime fraud within the department.
Additionally, Lou Vince and Stacey Vince, both LAPD officers and a married couple, filed a lawsuit alleging that Lou Vince faced discrimination during his post-injury return-to-duty process, while Stacey Vince was denied promotions for supporting her husband. The couple reached an $11 million settlement with the city.
Pending Lawsuits Signal More Financial Risk
Currently, more than 20 internal lawsuits are pending against the LAPD, raising concerns about potential additional financial liabilities.
Experts criticized the department for its lack of effective internal controls and conflict resolution, stating that Los Angeles city officials also bear responsibility for the growing number of disputes and their escalating costs.
BY YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]
