Local News in Brief : Budget Report Notes Concern Over Suits

A first-quarter budget review for the city of Torrance expresses concern about the potential cost to the city of recent lawsuits against the Police Department but says the city is on a strong financial footing.

The report, which was released last week, does not mention specific suits, but Mayor Katy Geissert confirmed that the city’s primary concern is nine suits filed this year alleging brutality by police. The city has no liability insurance but maintains a fund to pay such expenses.

“There is a potential on some of these police-related suits . . ., depending on how it goes, for some large liability,” Geissert said.

In describing the potential impact on city finances, the budget report said: “The resolution of the litigation will be lengthy and the fiscal impact difficult to assess.”

Of the nine lawsuits, three ask for a total of $13.75 million in damages. Five others included no dollar amount, and one was settled in September for $3,000.