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Judge rules in favor of LAPD officer suspended for alleged inappropriate behavior, revokes suspension

Sgt. Darcy French, who joined the LAPD in 1998, had previously filed a separate lawsuit alleging harassment and retaliation over images shared by other LAPD members

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The Los Angeles Police Department headquarters building is seen in downtown Los Angeles on Friday, July 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Damian Dovarganes/AP

By Joanna Putman
Police1

LOS ANGELES — A judge has ruled in favor of a veteran Los Angeles police sergeant who challenged her three-day suspension for alleged misconduct, including off-duty behavior in 2019, KNX reported.

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On Monday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Stephen I. Goorvitch granted Sgt. Darcy French’s petition, overturning a June 2023 decision by the LAPD Board of Rights. The board had upheld allegations against French, including accusations of inappropriate behavior and kissing a department employee during a fundraising event at a San Diego County casino, according to the report.

The board had recommended a three-day suspension for French, a decision later approved by then-Chief Michel Moore. The City Attorney’s Office argued that the penalty was lenient, but French’s attorneys contended that the decision and suspension were not supported by the evidence. They also argued that the statute of limitations was violated, as no investigative or disciplinary action was initiated in a timely manner after the alleged misconduct, according to the report.

French, who joined the LAPD in 1998, had previously filed a separate lawsuit in February 2023, alleging harassment and retaliation after she complained about sexist images disseminated by other LAPD members, according to the report. She claimed that her superiors attempted to suspend and demote her in response to her complaints.

The recent ruling in French’s favor overturns her suspension and challenges the handling of her case by the LAPD and its leadership.