CHULA VISTA, Calif. -- A former Chula Vista police officer who claims he was fired in retaliation for reporting racism will receive $175,000 from the city.
After 24 years, David Mitchell retired from the San Diego Police Department in 2014. In April 2015, he signed on to become a Chula Vista police officer. He was fired before he could complete the 10-week training program.
Mitchell claims he was present when field training officers made racial slurs on two occasions. On one occasion, Mitchell says his superior used the “N-word” to refer to a location. On another, Mitchell alleges a second officer called a family living under messy conditions “trailer trash,” adding a different racial slur.
In June 2015, Mitchell filed a complaint with the state's Department of Fair Employment and Housing. A short time later, his employment was terminated.
He filed the lawsuit in September 2015. The city of Chula Vista settled the case earlier this month.
Under the terms of the settlement, the city did not admit any wrongdoing. Requests for comment from the Chula Vista City Attorney’s Office have not been returned.
Mitchell also sued the SDPD in 2008. He claimed he was passed up for a promotion because he had complained about and reported racial discrimination. The lawsuit was settled and Mitchell was later promoted to lieutenant.
