Commission revokes POST certification of former CHP officer Richard Adams after video evidence and judge’s findings

The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training voted to revoke the certification of former California Highway Patrol officer Richard Adams after the Peace Officer Standards Accountability Division presented findings that Adams committed domestic violence and made dishonest statements to investigators.

Rob Guyton, bureau chief for the division, summarized the record: the division reported that the victim provided video captured on a front-door camera that showed Adams forcibly throwing the victim onto a front porch on July 13, 2023, and dragging her by the ankles. Guyton said CHP sustained an administrative finding, the respondent was terminated on Nov. 5, 2024, and that a state personnel board judge sustained the agency’s dismissal, concluding the video footage was not consistent with consensual role playing and that the respondent had been dishonest during the investigation.

Guyton told the commission the advisory board considered the record on Feb. 5, 2026, and voted 6–0 to recommend revocation of Adams’s POST certification for acts that violate the law and for dishonesty during administrative investigations.

Jason Ewer, speaking for Adams, urged the commission to review the respondent’s written statement and argued the record did not demonstrate clear and convincing evidence. Ewer told the commission that the state personnel board decision is on appeal via writ proceedings and contended that portions of the earlier administrative finding relied on hearsay and that the respondent’s statements had been consistent across interviews. “The facts of this case do not demonstrate clear and convincing evidence that serious misconduct occurred,” Ewer said.

Public commenters reiterated concerns about domestic violence and the need for accountability; one urged continued attention to officer training and oversight.

Commissioner Nieto moved to revoke Adams’s certification and Commissioner Gordon seconded. A request was made to go into closed session; after reconvening, the clerk conducted a roll call in which one commissioner stated a conflict and abstained. The clerk reported 13 votes in favor and the motion carried.

The commission’s vote follows POST’s investigation, CHP’s administrative findings and the advisory board’s unanimous recommendation. Counsel for the respondent said the matter remains subject to appeal and that some evidentiary questions are pending in other proceedings.