TORRANCE, Calif. (KNX) — California Attorney General Rob Bonta said Wednesday he is stepping in to investigate the Torrance Police Department amid allegations of use of force and a bevy of racist text messages—many of which were aimed at Black people and members of the LGBTQ community.
The embattled department has been working to prepare for this investigation for months, said a spokesperson for TPD, amid an internal and administrative investigation sparked by a scandal involving more than a dozen police officers accused of exchanging racist text messages for years.
Bonta said the review will aim to promote public safety and “rebuild trust between TPD and the community it serves.”
“Our communities deserve to know they can get equal justice under the law,” Bonta said in a news release. “Police departments are on the front lines of that fight every day as they work to protect the people of our state. However, where there is evidence of potentially pervasive bias or discrimination, it can undermine the trust that is critical for public safety and our justice system.”
The evidence of potential “bias” Bonta speaks of could jeopardize nearly 1,400 cases in which the accused officers were listed as potential witnesses, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney’s records obtained by the Los Angeles Times.
Bonta praised TPD Chief of Police Jay Hart for being a willing participant in the investigation.
“As Police Chief of the Torrance Police Department, I am committed to accountability, and I will not tolerate any form of bigotry, racism, hate, or misconduct,” Hart said in a statement. “In partnership with Attorney General Bonta, I will ensure that needed changes are implemented to regain the public’s trust and confidence.”
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