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$10M Cummins verdict looms over council as residents demand police accountability
Summary
Public commenters and several councilmembers referenced the recent jury award in Ashley Cummins’ discrimination case against the police department; the city attorney acknowledged the $10 million verdict in closed‑session remarks and said the city is reviewing legal options including a possible appeal.
Multiple public commenters used the public‑comment period to press the council on police conduct and recent litigation. One participant said the city had ‘‘lost a $10,000,000 case’’ and announced resignation from a police advisory board in protest. During the closed‑session briefing disclosed at the meeting’s end, the city attorney confirmed the jury’s verdict in Cummins v. City of National City awarding $10 million to the plaintiff for harassment and discrimination claims, and said the city is reviewing potential legal options, including appeal.
Separately, the Community Police Relations Commission presented its annual report for 2024, describing case‑review activity (30 cases reviewed by the complaint‑review subcommittee) and outreach goals; commissioners and councilmembers discussed backlog reduction and the commission’s need for staff email addresses to conduct commission business. The council acknowledged public concern about police policies and reiterated the city’s stated commitment to a respectful workplace while staff and legal teams study the litigation outcome.
Council did not take an immediate policy vote tied to the verdict during the meeting; the city attorney said the legal team will evaluate lessons learned and next steps.
