Beverly Hills police chief retires after lawsuits alleging racism, anti-Semitism, harassment
LA TimesBeverly Hills Police Chief Sandra Spagnoli announced her retirement Saturday, marking the end of a rocky tenure that saw the city pay out millions to settle lawsuits alleging that she had made racist remarks to subordinate officers and engaged in acts of harassment. “During the Chief’s tenure, crime was reduced while the department increased diversity, public outreach, best practices and advancements in technology,” Beverly Hills City Manager George Chavez said in a statement. “We thank Chief Spagnoli for her service to our community and her three decades of public service in law enforcement.” Spagnoli became the first female police chief in Beverly Hills history in 2016. Asked if there was any connection between the mounting litigation — records show another civil claim was filed against Spagnoli on March 30 — and Spagnoli’s decision to step down, city spokesman Keith Sterling said the “Chief notified City Manager of her intention to retire.” All told, Gage said, the lawsuits his clients brought against Spagnoli cost the city about $8 million.
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