Catherwood LibraryILR School

After failing to reach an out of court settlement, Los Angeles County was found guilty in Superior Court yesterday of discriminating against its public safety officers in terms of pay and pension benefits. Black, Latino and Asian minorities make up eighty percent of the 500 member Office of Public Safety peace officer force---one of the only forces that does not receive pension benefits similar to those enjoyed by County police, firefighters and lifeguards. The public safety officers have argued that they are often confronted by violent psychiatric patients and gang members as they patrol hospitals, parks and other county properties, and are seeking over $100 million in raises, back pay and benefits.