SFPD settles wrongful termination lawsuit

The wrongful termination lawsuit against the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) by Kelly O’Haire, a former internal affairs lawyer for SFPD has finally been settled.

O’Haire had filed the wrongful termination case against the city and SFPD in 2013. She had alleged that she was fired from her job as she had accused the department Chief, Greg Suhr of mishandling a domestic violation investigation. However, the reason given to her at the time of termination was that it was a cost cutting effort.

In 2009, while O’Haire was working for the SFPD, she sought the termination of Greg Suhr. She alleged that Suhr was violating the department policies. The incidents reported by her included Suhr’s failure to file a timely report in a domestic violence incident and impeding investigation in the Fajitagate case. The Fajitagate case which involved three San Francisco officers, who were accused of beating up two men for their Mexican food, was later dismissed by the judge.

As a result of O’Haires’ report, Suhr was demoted and made Captain. However, in 2011, he was promoted back as Chief after which he terminated O’Haire.

The complaint filed by O’Haire stated that as a result of her termination, she was forced into a long period of unemployment and underemployment. She sought compensation and punitive damages for alleged labor violations, intentional infliction of emotional distress and intentional interference with prospective economic advantage.

The long legal battle that followed resulted in a hefty settlement of $725,000 by the SFPD.