Facts, Figures and Reactions : Lawsuits Over Use of Force

As part of its study, the Christopher Commission reviewed 83 court cases where settlements or jury awards of more than $15,000 were made to plaintiffs accusing LAPD officers of brutality.

A majority of those cases “appeared to involve clear and often egregious misconduct resulting in serious injury or death to victims”, the commission concluded, but added that the “discipline against the officers involved was frequently light or nonexistent.”

Only 21% of the LAPD officers involved in the cases, which covered from 1986 through 1990, were disciplined, according to the commission.

Among the plaintiffs were:

LUIS MILTON MURRALES. The 24-year-old Latino lost the sight in his right eye when LAPD officers beat him at the end of a pursuit in April, 1988. The city settled the case for $177,500, and an LAPD commanding officer acknowledged that police had engaged in a “lynch mob” mentality. However, after an LAPD investigation, no allegations were sustained against the officers involved. Four officers who used force on Murrales had “similar prior incidents,” the commission said.

ALFRED JOHNSON. The African-American was arrested in 1981 while reportedly under the influence of PCP. LAPD officers allegedly removed the back seat of their patrol car, placed Johnson on the driveshaft and then drove to the station. Johnson suffered third-degree burns and received a $28,500 settlement. There was no LAPD investigation, and no officer was disciplined.

MICHAEL BERNAL. The white male lost two teeth and suffered brain damage when several officers beat him in a holding cell in 1981 for reportedly being belligerent. Bernal had been arrested for outstanding traffic warrants. The city attorney recommended settling the case for $300,000. One LAPD officer was suspended for five days, another for 10 days. Between them, the two officers had 19 complaints from 1986 through 1990.

JOSE SANCHEZ. The Latino male approached officers, demanding an explanation, after two relatives were stopped by police on his property. Instead, officers ordered him to take his hands out of his pockets. When he refused, they pushed him against a fence and struck other family members who tried to intervene. A jury awarded $160,000 to seven plaintiffs. The LAPD did not investigate the use of force; no officers were disciplined.