Officer Profile

Richard Podkowski

Agency: LAPD
Rank: Police Officer II
Division: West Bureau
Serial: 43618
Badge: 24294
Ethnicity: White
Gender: Male
Age: 26
Total Pay & Benefits (2023): $180,724

Unlawful Conduct

On February 21, 2021, former LAPD officer Richard Podkowski conducted an unlawful stop that involved biased policing, illegal search, and obstruction/intimidation. He informed the individuals involved that the reason for the stop was their “expired registration” because they were near their rental car, which displayed expired tags. However, upon examination, the rental car’s stickers indicated that the registration was valid until December 2021, confirming that it was not expired.

During the encounter, Podkowski instructed the young individuals not to speak to the man documenting the stop as he uncuffed them, demonstrating intimidation and obstruction. 

LAPD Officer Richard Podkowski conducts an unlawful police stop and intimidates the subjects

Off-Duty Arrest

While off-duty, LAPD Officer Richard Podkowski was arrested for allegedly assaulting someone with a deadly weapon. Los Angeles police responded to a call from a community member and took Podkowski into custody after completing an initial investigation.

Following his arrest, Podkowski was transported and booked under California Penal Code Section 245 for assault with a deadly weapon.

He was later released on a $30,000 bond.

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