Lt. Louis Lavender was the supervisor overseeing the LAPD’s recruiting division section where numerous racist, sexist, and homophobic comments occurred. According to the complaint, Lavender, who is Black, witnessed and heard these conversations firsthand but allegedly failed to intervene or take corrective action to stop the misconduct.
At one point, Lavender acknowledged the seriousness of the offensive behavior by remarking to his officers that their actions could lead to negative media exposure and harm the department. Despite recognizing the risk, he did not act decisively to end or report the inappropriate environment. Lavender is thus portrayed in the complaint as passively complicit, aware of the discriminatory remarks and conduct but refraining from enforcing accountability or preventing further offenses.
LA Times detailing Lt Louis Lavender’s misconduct
