Former Los Angeles Assistant Police Chief Alfred “Al” Labrada has retired from the department following a disciplinary board’s unanimous ruling that found him guilty on all seven counts he faced. Labrada was accused of secretly tracking a fellow officer, with whom he was romantically involved, and subsequently attempting to cover up his actions. The board’s decision marks a significant downfall for Labrada, who previously held the position of second in command to then-Chief Michel Moore and was considered a potential candidate for the department’s leadership.
The case against Labrada originated from allegations made by LAPD officer Dawn Silva, who claimed that Labrada had placed an Apple AirTag under her car’s bumper to monitor her movements during the dissolution of their domestic partnership. The LAPD’s disciplinary hearings, conducted like mini-trials, took place behind closed doors over several weeks. The panel, consisting of three civilians, heard evidence suggesting that Labrada had lied to internal affairs and attempted to conceal his actions when confronted about Silva’s accusations.
Labrada initially claimed that he had purchased the AirTags to track his luggage during a Caribbean cruise. However, investigators discovered screenshots on his city-assigned phone, indicating that he had used the devices to monitor Silva’s activities over several months. Labrada’s retirement, retroactive to July 1, was confirmed by a spokesperson, and the penalty that the panel was set to decide on in October is no longer applicable.
Labrada released a statement expressing his disappointment with the internal affairs process and criticizing the alleged political influence that tainted the Board of Rights. He vowed to fight for other officers impacted by what he perceives as a flawed system. Labrada had filed a government claim against the LAPD earlier this year, accusing Moore of violating his due process by discussing his case publicly before its resolution.
The department’s investigation also revealed text messages sent by Labrada to Silva, which were described as threatening and possessive. Labrada allegedly attempted to coerce another LAPD officer, a witness in the case, into not testifying by threatening to disclose damaging information about them. The panel heard testimony from several witnesses, including Silva and Assistant Chief Daniel Randolph, who suggested that Labrada’s subsequent actions indicated a consciousness of guilt.
Labrada’s attorney called upon former senior LAPD officials, such as Deputy Chief Dennis Kato, to testify about Labrada’s character. However, Kato acknowledged that he would recommend the removal of any employee found to have lied. Robert Arcos, a top-ranking official in the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office and a former mentor to Labrada, described him as a hard worker and advocate for the Latino community but agreed that lying should result in consequences.
Labrada’s retirement raises questions about the decision not to file criminal charges against him, as the board’s ruling suggests a different perspective. Labrada intends to explore his legal options further, emphasizing his commitment to pursuing justice within the LAPD and the broader legal system.
