Five high-ranking officers of the Visalia Police Department (VPD), including Police Chief Jason Salazar, are accused of maintaining an illegal traffic citation quota system and retaliating against officers who objected to the unlawful action, according to a lawsuit filed June 13 in Tulare County Superior Court.
The allegations come from VPD officer Donald Huard, who claims he and another officer were punished repeatedly for refusing to participate in the scheme. Huard claims he was punished for reporting other incidents of wrongdoing by fellow officers, as well. Huard is seeking financial compensation for lost income and damages to his health, wellbeing and reputation.
The citation quota, the suit states, remains in force. Huard’s employment status with the VPD remains unclear. The suit does not seek damages for wrongful termination.
City, Officer’s Attorneys Remain Silent
The suit names the City of Visalia and unnamed other defendants. Following standing practice, Visalia City Manager Leslie Caviglia declined to comment on the accusations, citing the ongoing litigation as the cause.
Attorneys Jon Drucker, Matthew S. McNicholas and Douglas Winter of the Los Angeles-based law firm McNicholas & McNicholas are representing Huard in the suit. Repeated telephone calls to the law firm went unanswered and were eventually disconnected. McNicholas & McNicholas’ website claims the firm acts as “panel counsel” to the labor unions the Los Angeles Police Protective League and...
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