Facts

Police Officers Jose Flores, Ryan Reyes, and Brian Perez sued the City of Westminster, former Westminster Chiefs of Police Mitchell Waller, Andrew Hall, Ron Coopman, and then-current Police Chief Kevin Baker, alleging race discrimination and retaliation.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiffs were all Latino police officers for the city. Plaintiffs contended that they were denied Special Assignments and promotions because of their race and national origin. Plaintiffs contended that defendants continually denied plaintiff Flores' applications for special assignments, despite getting recognition for his work as a police officer including the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Award and the Centurian Award. Reyes and Perez had similar experiences.

Plaintiffs asserted causes of action for discrimination equal protection violation and retaliation.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Defendants denied plaintiffs' allegations, and asserted various affirmative defenses.

Result

The jury rendered a special verdict in favor of plaintiffs, and awarded them a total of $3.55 million in compensatory and punitive damages. The jury awarded Flores $685,000 in compensatory damages and $990,000 in punitive damages, for a total of $1,675,000 in damages. The jury awarded Reyes $515,000 in compensatory damages and $440,000 in punitive damages, for a total of $955,000 in damages. Finally, the jury awarded Perez $150,000 in compensatory damages and $770,000 in punitive damages, for a total of $920,000 in damages.