TORRANCE : Probe Finds Hiring Bias in Police, Fire Departments
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A U.S. Department of Justice investigation has revealed a pattern of discrimination against blacks, Latinos and Asians in the hiring practices of the city of Torrance’s Police and Fire departments, city officials said this week.
In a Nov. 5 letter to the city, Assistant Atty. Gen. John R. Dunne said Torrance either refused or failed to employ minorities on an equal basis with Anglos and that black employees in the Police Department were frequently subjected to derogatory comments by white colleagues and supervisors.
In addition, federal investigators determined that the written examinations for entry-level positions given by the departments were unlawful.
City officials dispute the findings of the investigation but are meeting with Department of Justice representatives to discuss entering into an consent agreement that would avoid a federal civil rights lawsuit against Torrance.
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