San Diego Unified police officers announce plans to sue district

Nine San Diego Unified School District police officers are planning to sue the district, the department’s police chief and the superintendent, alleging they have faced corruption, retaliation and favoritism, CBS8 reported.

“It quickly became apparent there were now two camps within the same police department,” John Gomez, the attorney representing the officers, told CBS8.

He noted that many of the challenges faced by the officers came from an alleged personal relationship between the chief, Alfonso Contreras, and one of his subordinates.

“If you approved of the relationship between the chief and the sergeant, according to the evidence, you were afforded favoritism, better opportunities, better treatment. If you disfavored or did not support this relationship, you were subject to retaliation, intimidation and bad treatment,” Gomez said.

According to Gomez, the officers presented their allegations to Superintendent Lamont Jackson — but claimed nothing was done.

Gomez said the officers would like Contreras to be placed on administrative leave and for an investigation to take place.

“We are asking them to protect those who serve and protect our students. Not just sit back and protect those who serve the chief of police … and his club,” said Jesus Montana, one of the officers.

Meanwhile, San Diego Unified said in a statement that “the district is precluded from disclosing the details of personnel matters and does not discuss pending litigation. All allegations received by the district are taken seriously and investigated.”