Lt. Ignacio Ruiz Jr., a 25-year veteran of the Fresno Police Department, filed a lawsuit alleging systemic racial discrimination and retaliation within the department. He claimed that minority officers were passed over for promotions in favor of less qualified white officers and faced harsher punishments for infractions. Ruiz also reported being subjected to an unfair […]
In 2016, Officer Jason Lai was implicated in a scandal involving racist and homophobic text messages exchanged among officers. The texts included derogatory remarks about minority groups and were discovered during an investigation into a sexual assault allegation against Lai. He resigned from the department in April 2016.
Officer Michael Evans was suspected of embezzling thousands of dollars while serving as the treasurer of the department’s Pride Alliance for LGBT officers. After the allegations surfaced, Evans paid back the money and resigned from the police force. He was later booked on felony embezzlement and felony grand theft charges.
Over the past decade, the San Francisco Police Department has faced numerous disciplinary actions and lawsuits involving its officers. Common violations include excessive use of force, racial discrimination, and misconduct during arrests. Typical punishments range from suspensions to terminations, though some officers have remained employed despite multiple allegations. The department has settled several lawsuits, costing […]
In December 2017, Officer Chris Samayoa fatally shot Keita O’Neil, an unarmed carjacking suspect, during a foot chase. Samayoa was charged with manslaughter in 2020, marking the first time in San Francisco history that a police officer was charged with homicide for an on-duty shooting. The case is ongoing as of 2023.
In October 1998, then-Officer John Burke was accused of using undue force while arresting a man for not following instructions. In October 2008, Burke was named as one of a group of officers who allegedly knocked down the door of Jeffrey Bitton without a warrant, throwing a stun grenade at him and his siblings before […]
Sgt. Luis DeJesus has been involved in at least three shootings, one in 2002 and two in 2010. In November 2004, a woman accused DeJesus of barging into her home and beating her while chasing a suspect. In June 2005, DeJesus and another officer allegedly punched a young man after he had surrendered. In December […]
In July 2013, Sgt. Flint Paul was allegedly involved in a traffic stop that resulted in attorney Nyla Moujaes being severely injured. In July 2017, he allegedly deliberately knocked into skateboarder Anthony Economus during the Dolores Park ‘hill bomb,’ fracturing his ankle and gashing his knee. The city settled for $275,000. The Department of Police […]
Over the past decade, the San Jose Police Department has faced multiple instances of officer misconduct, including excessive use of force, racial bias, sexual misconduct, and substance abuse. Notable cases involve officers Jonathan Byers, Mark McNamara, and Matthew Dominguez. The department has implemented measures to address these issues, such as increased training and oversight, but […]
In 2023, an officer was placed on leave for allegedly providing a woman with a methamphetamine pipe in exchange for information. This conduct was deemed a severe violation of ethical and professional standards. ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/matthew-dominguez-san-jose-police-officer-misconduct/?utm_source=openai))
In 2023, during a traffic stop, an officer used the phrase ‘Are there any dead babies in the car?’ as a ‘shock talk’ tactic. This approach was strongly discouraged by the San Jose Police Academy and field training. ([kron4.com](https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/are-there-any-dead-babies-in-the-car-san-jose-police-audit-reveals-use-of-controversial-tactic/?utm_source=openai))
In 2023, an officer responded to a criminal threats call and, after arresting the complainant, remarked, ‘We just decided to stop a Black man for no reason, okay?’ This statement led to allegations of bias-based policing. ([kron4.com](https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/are-there-any-dead-babies-in-the-car-san-jose-police-audit-reveals-use-of-controversial-tactic/?utm_source=openai))
In April 2022, Officer Matthew Dominguez was arrested for allegedly masturbating inside a home while responding to a call about a mentally ill family member. He was charged with misdemeanor indecent exposure and placed on administrative leave. ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/matthew-dominguez-san-jose-police-officer-misconduct/?utm_source=openai))
In 2023, an officer was placed on leave after being intoxicated while on duty at the scene of the Baby Brandon kidnapping. This incident raised concerns about substance abuse within the department. ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/matthew-dominguez-san-jose-police-officer-misconduct/?utm_source=openai))
In May 2020, during protests, Sgt. Jonathan Byers was involved in the use of force against Shante Thomas, a resident observing from her apartment. Byers allegedly fired rubber bullets into her home, causing injuries and property damage. Despite prior misconduct claims, he was promoted to sergeant in 2019. ([sanjoseinside.com](https://www.sanjoseinside.com/news/lawsuit-sjpd-enabled-brutality-against-protesters-by-failing-to-adequately-train-officers/?utm_source=openai))
