Timothy Colomey’s Whistleblower Case Against the Los Angeles Police Department’s SWAT Unit
Background
Timothy Colomey, a former senior SWAT sergeant, has made allegations of "unlawful killings" by SWAT members and department cover-ups of the alleged misconduct. He claimed a cadre of senior officers, a so-called "SWAT mafia," exercised "god-like power" over who was allowed into the elite unit and how it operated, creating a "culture of violence" that glorified deadly force.
The Case Against the LAPD’s SWAT Unit
Colomey first filed suit in 2020, alleging he was forced out of SWAT and faced retaliation for blowing the whistle, and later filed a second claim the following year. A jury found that Colomey’s claim had merit, ruling in his favor and awarding him about $3.5 million in damages.
The Allegations
Colomey alleged that the SWAT unit had a culture of violence and that senior officers were involved in a cover-up of alleged misconduct. He claimed that the unit’s leadership was corrupt and that officers were allowed to engage in illegal activities with impunity.
The Investigation
The LAPD’s Internal Affairs division investigated Colomey’s allegations and concluded that they were unfounded. However, Colomey’s attorney, Greg Smith, argued that the investigation was flawed and that the department was trying to protect the image of the SWAT unit.
The Trial
The trial featured testimony from Colomey and several other witnesses, including former SWAT officers who corroborated his allegations. The defense argued that Colomey was a bitter and headstrong officer who was trying to take down his colleagues.
The Verdict
The jury found in favor of Colomey, ruling that he had been retaliated against for blowing the whistle and that the LAPD’s SWAT unit had engaged in a culture of violence. The jury awarded Colomey about $3.5 million in damages.
Conclusion
The case against the LAPD’s SWAT unit highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies. The allegations of a "culture of violence" and cover-ups of alleged misconduct are serious and disturbing, and the jury’s verdict sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What were the allegations made by Timothy Colomey?
A: Colomey alleged that the LAPD’s SWAT unit had a culture of violence and that senior officers were involved in a cover-up of alleged misconduct.
Q: What was the outcome of the trial?
A: The jury found in favor of Colomey, ruling that he had been retaliated against for blowing the whistle and that the LAPD’s SWAT unit had engaged in a culture of violence.
Q: What was the amount of damages awarded to Colomey?
A: The jury awarded Colomey about $3.5 million in damages.
Q: What does the verdict mean for the LAPD’s SWAT unit?
A: The verdict sends a strong message that the LAPD’s SWAT unit must be held accountable for its actions and that any allegations of misconduct will be taken seriously.
