A private security firm that guards Los Angeles Police Department impound lots claims in a federal lawsuit that at least 10 of its employees have resigned after they were repeatedly blacklisted, bullied and sexually harassed by LAPD officers.
Abet Security Services Inc., based in Walnut, filed a whistleblower complaint in U.S. District Court last month against the city, former LAPD Detective Benjamin Jones and LAPD Officer Eric Rose seeking unspecified damages.
Jones, who has retired from the LAPD, was responsible for investigating crimes at the city’s impound lots while Rose is executive director of the Official Police Garages Association of Los Angeles, which represents 18 private firms that operate the vehicle storage facilities.
The Los Angeles Police Commission regulates and sets rates for impound lots.
In addition to guarding the lots, Abet also has contracts with Los Angeles to protect City Hall, a 911 dispatch center and the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant in Van Nuys.
Abet, which has provided security guard services for Los Angeles for about six years, alleges the city and its police officers have conspired to persuade impound lot operators to cancel contracts with the company, resulting in a revenue loss of more than $6 million.
“Abet is incredibly disappointed at the abusive behavior directed at our employees by officers and command staff of the LAPD,” Jeff Angile, a spokesperson for Abet, said in a statement.
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