San Diego
The San Diego City Attorney’s office said in a written opinion there is “no legal necessity” for the Civil Service Commission to hire outside counsel to help in its investigation into the Police Department for alleged intimidation of officers who file disability claims.
Commissioners decided to seek outside help after Patrick J. Thistle, attorney for the Police Officers Assn., alleged in a written petition that a deputy city attorney encouraged the department to intimidate police officers. However, City Atty. John Witt has warned commissioners he would sue them and the city if they tried to hire outside counsel.
On Monday, Witt’s office released a written opinion reiterating its position that the City Charter names the city attorney as the commission’s legal adviser.
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