Featured Verdict: Jury Awards Two Former Police Officers $8.6 Million For Whistleblower Relation; LAPD Settles Related Sexual Harassment Suit For $1.6 Million

On May 21, 2018, a Los Angeles County Jury awarded two former police officers approximately $8,600,000 in their claims that they were fired for complaining about a supervisor for his acts of sexual harassment against a third party. The City of Los Angeles settled this harassment case for $1,600,000.

Both Plaintiff were veteran employees of the LAPD, both of whom had worked there for 20 years. In 2015, both officers were transferred to handle bloodhounds in the Gang and Narcotics Division. Plaintiffs contended that they complained multiple times to supervisors of about their supervisor’s harassment and, rather than remedy or investigation these complaints, that the LAPD began to retaliate. Plaintiffs contended that they were denied tactical training, tactical weapons and equipment and even tactical officer backup when searching dangerous felons or locations. As a result of this inadequate coverage, Plaintiff Zibli suffered PTSD, panic attacks and general anxiety disorder and Plaintiff Dooros suffered from hypertension and an enlarge heart. Each condition caused both Plaintiffs to retire earlier than planned.

The LAPD claimed that the they implement changes to solve the issues complained of by Plaintiffs and denied any needed support was not provided.