Beverly Hills Police Chief To Retire After Controversial Tenure

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Beverly Hills Police Chief Sandra Spagnoli will retire effective May 15 following a four-year tenure that included multiple lawsuits claiming harassment and retaliation, city officials announced.

Spagnoli's retirement was announced Saturday by Beverly Hills City Manager George Chavez in a news release that did not mention any of the controversies that dogged her four-year stint at the helm of the 143-officer department.

"During the chief's tenure, crime was reduced while the department increased diversity, public outreach, best practices and advancements in technology," Chavez said, noting Spagnoli joined the department in February 2016 after five years as chief of the San Leandro Police Department in Northern California.

But KNBC4 reported Saturday that Spagnoli was notified early last week she had until April 24 to resign or face possible termination, citing information from several law enforcement sources and others it did not name.

In a reply to an email seeking a response to the report, Keith Sterling, Beverly Hills' public information manager, told City News Service, "The chief informed the city manager of her intention to retire."

The Los Angeles Times reported in December that during the past two years, at least 20 current and former employees filed lawsuits or employment complaints accusing Spagnoli of making racist and anti-Semitic remarks, denying them promotions and engaging in sexual affairs with subordinate officers.

She dismissed the allegations, telling the Times in December they were part of a smear campaign orchestrated by disgruntled employees angry about the changes that marked the early portion of her tenure in Beverly Hills, including modifications to the department's disciplinary system and command structure.

In Saturday's news release, City Manager Chavez expressed appreciation for Spagnoli's service.

"We thank Chief Spagnoli for her service to our community and her three decades of public service in law enforcement."

For her part, Spagnoli touted her achievements.

"I am grateful to have served Beverly Hills and proud of the accomplishments over the past four years to keep this world-class community one of the safest in the nation," Spagnoli said in the same new release.

In August, city officials announced the settlement of lawsuits brought by two police department employees and one former employee involving Spagnoli.

Under the terms of the settlements, Officer Anne Marie Lunsman was to receive $195,000; Tania Schwartz -- formerly a senior management analyst for the BHPD who at the time of the settlement held the same position with the city's Department of Public Works -- was to receive a payment of $285,000; and Sgt. Scott Dibble was to receive a payment of $105,000.

The attorney representing the plaintiffs, Bradley Gage, was to receive fees amounting to $390,000.

"The city of Beverly Hills is committed to maintaining a respectful work environment free from harassment, retaliation and discrimination," City Attorney Laurence S. Wiener said at the time of the settlements.

"We have managed to reach agreements without the cost and distraction of trials so that the Beverly Hills Police Department can focus on its primary responsibility, keeping our community safe."

All three plaintiffs complained of disparate treatment by Spagnoli.

The city's announcement of the settlements included a statement supporting "the needed change that Chief Spagnoli has brought to the police department, including the addition of officers, enhancements in training, an increase in diversity, greater public outreach, contemporary policing programs and a reduction in crime."

Four other police department employees with similar grievances were collectively awarded more than $1 million by a jury in July. A judge overturned a portion of the verdict in October, finding Lt. Shan Davis was not subjected to harassment. The jury had awarded Davis $250,000.

Retired Capt. Mark Rosen obtained a $2.3 million settlement in 2018 in his case in which he maintained he was discriminated against because of his age and Jewish religion.

Rosen was 60 when he retired as part of the settlement of his lawsuit.

He said in a news conference following the announcement that he had high hopes when Spagnoli was hired in 2016, but remarks she allegedly made about Jews, Catholics and lesbians gave him pause.

The city issued a statement regarding the Rosen settlement, continuing to deny his allegations, saying "a decision was made by the city's insurance company to settle the lawsuit."

"The city of Beverly Hills has always upheld its unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful work environment free from harassment, retaliation and discrimination and will continue to do so," the statement said.

In the coming weeks, Chavez is expected to name an Interim Police Chief to serve during the search for a permanent replacement.

—City News Service