Trial News

Alexander Lawrence, who was in his late 40s, worked as a field training coordinator for the Long Beach Police Department. His job responsibilities included ensuring the department’s compliance with the procedures of the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). A probationary officer called Lawrence’s superior and indicated he wanted to resign because he had been assigned to work in a high-crime area. Lawrence was instructed to give the officer an easier field training assignment. Lawrence refused to honor this request, stating that he would not violate POST regulations. He complained about the situation to his sergeant, who told the deputy police chief.

Lawrence was subsequently demoted to a patrol officer’s position. A 25-year veteran of the department, he suffered humiliation and a 14 percent salary decrease resulting from the demotion.

Lawrence sued the city, alleging violation of the California whistleblower’s statute, Cal. Labor Code §1102.5.

The jury awarded $2.59 million.

Citation: Lawrence v. City of Long Beach, No. BC 616 973 (Cal. Super. Ct. Los Angeles Cnty. Dec. 6, 2018).

Plaintiff counsel: Gregory Smith and Leila Al Faiz, both of Beverly Hills, Calif.