Yesterday, a District of Columbia jury issued a verdict in a five-year-old civil case dismissing whistleblower claims against the District of Columbia and Metropolitan Police Department, and rejecting assertions made by the Fraternal Order of Police. In its ruling, the jury upheld the Department’s decision to terminate a police officer who engaged in illegal activities.

Despite spending a staggering amount of FOP resources to bring a frivolous lawsuit, the jury repudiated almost all of the union’s claims. Most importantly, the jury affirmed the Department’s decision made five years ago, to terminate an officer who brokered illegal outside employment in exchange for under-the-table cash payments.

While the jury did find the District liable to one of the plaintiffs, there is no evidence in the record to support this conclusion. The Department is confident that finding will be reversed, and that no fine or discipline will ultimately be imposed in this case.

Cathy L. Lanier

Police Chief

Metropolitan Police Department