A Los Angeles Police Department officer who secretly recorded coworkers he says made racist, sexist and homophobic remarks is now facing 16 felony counts and up to 13 years in state prison if convicted.[1][2]
Prosecutors say Daniel Flores, 43, recorded confidential conversations involving 16 colleagues without their permission while working in the department’s recruitment unit, which helps determine who can join the LAPD.[1][2] The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office said Flores often initiated the conversations, edited out many of his own comments and reactions, and never objected during the 122 recordings prosecutors say captured offensive remarks.[1]
Flores has argued the recordings were part of a legitimate effort to document discrimination and hostile workplace conduct, and he filed a civil lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles in June claiming the department created a hostile work environment.[1][2] He also submitted an internal affairs complaint, saying he hoped the recordings would lead to discipline for those responsible.[2]
District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office will strictly enforce the law against illegal recordings, even when the person making them says the goal was to expose bias or misconduct.[1][2] California is one of the states with an all-party consent law, which generally requires everyone in a conversation to agree before it is recorded.[1][2]
