The Incident That Sparked the Fallout (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Los Angeles – A Los Angeles County jury awarded former police commander Nicole Mehringer $5.7 million on Wednesday after finding that the Los Angeles Police Department held her to a stricter standard than male colleagues following an alcohol-related incident in 2018.[1][2] The verdict highlighted long-standing claims of unequal treatment within the department’s leadership ranks. Mehringer, once a rising star in employee relations, described the outcome as a restoration of her reputation.[1]
The Incident That Sparked the Fallout
On April 27, 2018, Glendale police officers responded to a crashed unmarked LAPD Dodge Charger resting against a parked vehicle in the middle of the road. Behind the wheel sat Sgt. James Kelly, Mehringer’s subordinate, who displayed clear signs of intoxication. Mehringer, seated beside him, also appeared impaired and resisted efforts to remove them from the car for about 20 minutes.[1][2]
Authorities arrested both. Prosecutors charged Mehringer with misdemeanor public intoxication, a count later dismissed after she completed a 30-day outpatient recovery program. Kelly faced DUI charges, to which he pleaded no contest and received probation. The episode violated department policy, including rules against officers consuming alcohol in city vehicles and romantic relationships between superiors and subordinates.[3]
Path to Termination and Internal Backlash
Mehringer oversaw the LAPD’s employee relations group, managing contracts, grievances, and union matters. Department leaders offered her a demotion from commander to lieutenant, which she rejected. A disciplinary panel then recommended termination, a decision upheld by then-Chief Michel Moore in late 2018.[1]
Kelly received lighter consequences: demotion to police officer and an administrative reassignment. He no longer appears on recent LAPD rosters. During her disciplinary hearing, Mehringer acknowledged her mistakes, including the inappropriate relationship and public intoxication, but argued the punishment exceeded that for comparable cases.[2]
| Individual | Position | Discipline |
|---|---|---|
| Nicole Mehringer | Commander | Termination |
| James Kelly | Sergeant | Demotion to officer, admin post |
Claims of Systemic Double Standards
Mehringer filed suit against the City of Los Angeles in 2019, alleging gender discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination. She contended that male command staff routinely violated policies—through intoxication, affairs, or other misconduct—yet retained positions, retired quietly, or even advanced. Her attorneys pointed to instances where the department allegedly covered up such behavior.[1]
The case gained traction when former Deputy Chief John Sherman initially praised her record in a videotaped message supporting her retention. He later retracted it, reportedly because Mehringer sought to expose departmental issues. This shift underscored her claims of retaliation for whistleblowing on unequal treatment.[2]
- April 2018: Crash and arrests in Glendale.
- Late 2018: Termination upheld by Chief Moore.
- 2019: Charges dismissed; lawsuit filed.
- 2022-2023: Court rulings allow case to proceed amid similar female-led suits.
- March 18, 2026: Jury verdict.
The Trial Unravels Key Testimonies
The trial featured emotional testimony from Mehringer, who described the humiliation of her downfall despite admitting fault. Jurors heard from retired Chief Moore, who denied ever overruling disciplinary panels. Her attorney, Greg Smith, accused him of lying, a point the jury appeared to accept.[1]
After deliberating for less than two hours in some accounts, the jury sided with Mehringer. The award included $3.75 million for past and future loss of reputation and emotional distress, with the balance covering other compensatory damages. The city may appeal.[4]
A Pattern of Legal Setbacks for LAPD
This verdict continues a string of costly losses for the department in suits by female leaders. In 2022, a jury granted $4 million to retired commander Lillian Carranza over mishandled harassment claims. Ex-Captain Stacey Vince received $10.1 million in 2023 for retaliation after reporting a supervisor.[2]
Mehringer expressed relief post-verdict: “I feel grateful and vindicated. This verdict means everything to me and in my mind it restores my reputation.” Smith emphasized the jury’s belief in differential treatment.[1]
The ruling arrives amid discussions of LAPD reforms, including measures on the November 2026 ballot to adjust the chief’s firing authority. It prompts questions about accountability at the top.
Key Takeaways
- Jury confirmed gender-based double standards in LAPD discipline.
- Mehringer’s case highlights retaliation against those exposing misconduct.
- Part of broader pattern costing city millions in female-led lawsuits.
These developments challenge the department to address internal inequities. What do you think about the implications for police leadership? Tell us in the comments.
