Council Rejects Police Sergeant’s $5-Million Claim

The Hawthorne City Council rejected a $5-million claim filed against the city by Police Sgt. Don Jackson, who alleged that his civil rights were violated by repeated racial harassment and discrimination in the Police Department.

“We don’t have any evidence at this time to support the Jackson claim,” said City Atty. Michael Adamson, who recommended the denial. “We have his statement that he has evidence, but we don’t have any of that evidence. Until the case evolves further, I have no choice but to recommend against any settlement.”

Jackson’s attorney, Carl E. Douglas of Los Angeles, said the rejection was not unexpected. “Generally, it is likely we will not be deterred in our effort to vindicate Mr. Jackson,” he said.

Douglas would not say whether he intends to file a lawsuit against the city, but Adamson said a suit is “pretty routine in these cases.”

In April, Jackson, who is black, took a paid medical stress leave after making allegations that officers frequently use racial slurs in the station house and in the field.

An internal investigation has been partly completed, Police Chief Kenneth Stonebraker said, but he declined to disclose his findings saying it is a personnel matter, which by state law is confidential.

Stonebraker would say only that some disciplinary action has been taken.