Torrance Police Officer Joshua Satterfield faces misconduct charges over racist text messages

The Peace Officer Standards Accountability Advisory Board convened on January 16, 2025, to address serious allegations of misconduct against former Torrance Police Officer Joshua Satterfield. The meeting featured a detailed report from law enforcement consultant Robert Bringolf and attorney Bridal Henley, outlining findings related to Satterfield's conduct during his tenure at the Torrance Police Department.

The investigation revealed that Satterfield engaged in a series of offensive and racially charged text messages between August 2018 and April 2019. These messages included homophobic, transphobic, and racist language, which the division determined constituted serious misconduct under California Penal Code section 13510.8. Bringolf emphasized that Satterfield's communications demonstrated bias and prejudice, undermining public confidence in his ability to perform law enforcement duties impartially.

One notable exchange involved Satterfield responding to a colleague's message about a racially charged incident with the phrase, "what's the crime?" This response was deemed inherently offensive and indicative of a lack of empathy towards a protected class. Further messages included derogatory terms and comments that suggested a predisposition to use force based on race, which violated multiple Torrance Police Department policies.

During the public comment section, Beatrice Johnson from Families United For Justice expressed deep concern over the persistence of such mindsets within law enforcement, linking them to a historical context of policing rooted in racial oppression. She called for a cultural shift within police departments to eliminate tolerance for such behavior.

Satterfield's legal counsel, Tom Yu, defended his client, arguing that there was no evidence directly linking Satterfield to the messages in question and asserting that the allegations were based on speculation. He criticized the methods used to obtain the messages, claiming they were acquired through illegal means.

The board is tasked with determining whether the evidence presented supports the findings of serious misconduct. The division has recommended revoking Satterfield's post certification, a decision that could have significant implications for his law enforcement career. The board's next steps will be crucial in addressing the broader issues of accountability and bias within police departments in California.