By Joanna Putman
Police1
LOS ANGELES -- Several LAPD officers have filed sworn declarations opposing the city of Los Angeles’ attempt to dismiss lawsuits brought by hundreds of officers who claim their safety was compromised after their photographs were mistakenly released in 2023, Los Angeles Daily News reported.
“Since the release of my service photo, I avoid public spaces and am very cautious when I am in a public space,” stated one officer identified as John Doe 137. “I am in constant fear that someone will be able to identify me, follow me home and harm me or my family.”
Another officer, John Doe 138, reported that he now always carries a firearm when leaving his home, even for routine tasks like grocery shopping, Los Angeles Daily News reports. Meanwhile, John Doe 2, who was working undercover at the time, said his life has been altered “forever.”
John Doe 51, who worked undercover in county jails, expressed concern about the potential for revenge from individuals seeking retaliation, Los Angeles Daily News reports
“Although I understand that being a police officer is a dangerous job, I never expected that the LAPD would release my private information, placing my life and my spouse’s life in imminent danger,” he stated.
The officers’ declarations were submitted to Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David S. Cunningham III, who is scheduled to hear the city’s motion to dismiss on September 18, according to the report. The city’s anti-SLAPP motion (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) argues that the release of the photos was part of a settlement and is protected under free speech laws. The City Attorney’s Office acknowledged the error but maintains that the photo release, while regrettable, is not actionable.
The photos were released in response to a California Public Records Act request by a journalist and were later posted online by the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition. The city initially resisted releasing the photos, but later agreed to do so, excluding undercover officers at the time of the settlement in 2022, according to the report. However, the release inadvertently included photos of officers who had worked undercover.
The lawsuits filed by the officers allege negligence, invasion of privacy, emotional distress and breach of contract, according to the report. The officers argue that they went to great lengths to keep their identities concealed due to their work in high-risk units such as Major Crimes, the ATF Gun Violence Reduction Task Force and the Gangs and Narcotics Division, according to the report.
“Plaintiffs now reasonably fear retribution from ... extremely dangerous criminals,” the lawsuit states, citing concerns about potential harassment, injury or even death to the officers and their families.