The City Attorney’s Office has filed a motion to dismiss Sgt. Timothy Colomey’s whistleblower retaliation lawsuit, arguing that he did not engage in “protected activity” as required by the state Labor Code. However, Colomey, a former longtime Los Angeles police sergeant, has responded to the motion, stating that the SWAT unit is controlled by a “SWAT Mafia” of veteran officers who prefer using deadly force over critical thinking.
Colomey, who joined SWAT in 2008 and was the most senior sergeant in the unit, claims that as the supervisor of the LAPD SWAT training school from 2013-19, he witnessed the preferential treatment given to candidates who inclined towards shooting instead of being methodical in the use of force. Critical thinkers and officers who were unwilling to conform to the aggressive and quick-shooting culture of SWAT were disqualified.
In 2018, the LAPD’s Internal Affairs group began investigating an anonymous complaint that likened the culture within SWAT to the notorious LAPD Rampart scandal. Colomey informed the investigators about a group of influential officers in SWAT who fostered an aggressive and lethal force-oriented culture within the unit. Although he did not use the term “SWAT Mafia” himself, he had heard the officers refer to themselves by that name.
During his time as a supervisor on several SWAT calls, Colomey claims that the officers in question attempted to exclude him from the scene and minimize his involvement. They would instruct him to stay away or remain in a certain location so that they could engage with the suspect without his presence. Despite these incidents, Colomey was cleared of any misconduct by the Internal Affairs investigation.
Colomey, who left SWAT for a position at Los Angeles International Airport, alleges that SWAT lieutenants and sergeants are aware of the alleged SWAT Mafia’s influence and participate in both acquiescing to the group and undermining nonconforming officers and supervisors. The plaintiff’s lawsuit states that a significant number of supervisors are involved in this behavior.
A hearing on the city’s motion to dismiss is scheduled for August 15.
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