After investigating two new complaints of workplace mistreatment, federal officials have accused the Los Angeles Fire Department of violating civil rights laws by subjecting African American and female firefighters to a "pattern and practice" of discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
The finding by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, received by Fire Department officials Tuesday, could force the city to pay cash settlements to the victims and make widespread changes in the way the department tracks and investigates discrimination complaints.
The commission's conclusions were outlined in letters written on behalf of two female firefighters. Copies were released to The Times, although the employees' names were blacked out to protect their privacy.
In both cases, the federal inquiry found "reasonable cause to believe that a pattern and practice of . . . harassment and retaliation exists for a class of female and black firefighters based on gender and race," wrote Olophius E. Perry, director of the agency's Los Angeles office.
The letters called on Fire Department officials to reach "an acceptable settlement" with the two employees. Anna Park, head regional attorney for the EEOC, said in an interview that federal law prohibited her from discussing any investigations. Speaking generally, however, she said that if a city refused to cooperate or comply with a directive to reform, her agency would forward the case to the U.S. Justice Department for possible legal action.
The finding is sure to increase pressure on Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and his appointees to institute reforms.
During the last year, the 3,900-member department -- celebrated in films and on television -- has been roiled by allegations of unchecked racism, discrimination and harassment that have cost taxpayers more than $13 million in legal settlements.
Only last week, city officials agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle a discrimination and retaliation lawsuit by a black firefighter whose colleagues spiked his spaghetti with dog food at a firehouse dinner in 2004. The case involving Firefighter Tennie Pierce sparked a heated controversy that led Villaraigosa to push longtime Fire Chief William Bamattre into early retirement.
On Tuesday, newly appointed Fire Chief Douglas L. Barry issued a statement saying the department was working to overhaul its discipline system and establish a Professional Standards Division.
