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Speakers at National City meeting demand police accountability after $10 million settlement
Summary
Public commenters at the National City City Council meeting pressed the city for more transparency and records after the city settled a discrimination suit by a former officer for $10 million. Commenters and council members referenced prior settlements and asked for release of personnel records and clearer oversight of the police department.
Public commenters at the National City City Council meeting on April 1 urged the council and city staff to disclose personnel records and take further action after the city paid a $10 million settlement to former officer Ashley Cummins in a workplace discrimination and harassment case.
The demand for transparency came from several residents during the meeting’s public-comment period, after multiple speakers referenced prior payouts the city made in employment-related cases. “Now that it was proven that she was discriminated against, the police department needs to release SB-16 records under the Public Workers Act,” one commenter said, citing the settlement and asking for personnel records to be made public.
Why it matters: Commenters framed disclosure of records and additional oversight as necessary to hold the National City Police Department accountable and to prevent further incidents that cost the city money. Speakers pointed to earlier settlements — including cited figures of $350,000 and $1 million in other cases — as part of a pattern they said demands stronger institutional checks. Several speakers directly asked council members to demand release of records and to investigate whether management or contract decisions contributed to the outcomes.
What the council and staff said: Council members acknowledged the settlement during item wrap-ups later in the meeting. The city attorney provided a statement describing the jury verdict in the Ashley Cummins matter and said the city was “extremely disappointed” by the outcome and was reviewing legal options, including a possible appeal. The city attorney said the city remained committed to a workplace that values respect and equal opportunity and would assess lessons learned from the verdict.
Public pressure and next steps: Multiple speakers urged action beyond legal review — including public disclosure of investigatory records and stronger oversight. Commenters also raised concerns about other personnel and contract decisions, requesting written reports from the city manager and the city attorney on procurement and related payments tied to legal defense questions. At least one council member asked staff for a formal report on a specific legal-services payment listed on the city’s warrant register.
Ending: The council did not adopt any new policies during the meeting to change personnel-record procedures, but staff said they would prepare follow-up material and that the city’s legal team was evaluating the verdict and possible next steps.
