Shaun Hillmann's career as a Los Angeles police officer appeared to be over after he was caught on tape outside a bar uttering a racial slur, and later denied it to his superiors.
High-ranking police officials recommended that Hillmann be fired, according to internal LAPD records. A disciplinary board agreed, voting unanimously in January that he should be kicked off the force.
Police Chief Charlie Beck decided otherwise, sparing the career of an officer whose father and uncle worked for the department.
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Overruling the board, Beck opted to return Hillmann to duty after a 65-day suspension, according to several sources with knowledge of the chief's decision. The sources requested anonymity because police discipline matters are confidential.
The head of the Police Commission, which oversees the department, expressed concern about Beck's decision.
"Based on what I've seen so far, this stands out as something that I really want explained," said Steve Soboroff, the commission president. "It has to be an important goal that the system is seen by officers as fair — that it doesn't favor or disfavor anyone. This case has risen to a level that it's being discussed and looked at as a test" of how Beck disciplines officers.
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The controversy comes at delicate time for Beck as the commission prepares for an extensive review of the chief's performance to decide whether to offer him a second five-year term. Soboroff, who described himself as supportive of the chief overall, said the Hillmann case, and Beck's approach to discipline in general, will come under scrutiny during the commission's review.
Beck and the commission have clashed over the panel's concerns that the chief is uneven and sometimes too lenient, notably when officers improperly use force or are caught driving while intoxicated.
Citing state confidentiality laws, Beck declined to discuss the details of Hillmann's case. But he defended the decision to give the officer back his badge and denied that he was swayed by Hillmann's family ties.
Beck said he agreed with the disciplinary board that Hillmann's misconduct was serious, but said firing him would have been too harsh.
"The actions are egregious. What we differ on is the penalty and the penalty ultimately is the domain of the chief of police," Beck said. "I attached a penalty that is appropriate — that matches the nature and circumstances of the behavior."
Beck said he takes into account an officer's disciplinary history and job performance, among other factors, in deciding on punishment. Hillmann had a clean disciplinary record and numerous commendations, LAPD records show.
Hillmann, 33, is the son of a retired LAPD officer. And his uncle is former Deputy Chief Michael Hillmann — a respected figure in the LAPD who served in the department's upper ranks with Beck during a career that spanned four decades.
Shaun Hillmann did not respond to requests for comment.
Michael Hillmann said no family member contacted Beck to ask for leniency.
The account of what occurred at the Maverick Saloon in Norco early July 14, 2012, is based on confidential LAPD investigative files obtained by The Times. The files include transcripts of audio recordings, statements by Hillmann and witnesses, and the formal findings by police officials and the hearing board.
Shortly before the bar's closing time at 2 a.m., Hillmann's wife was dancing with a black man whom investigators were unable to identify. Suddenly, she pushed the man away, claiming that he had groped her breasts, according to witness statements.
By his own account to investigators, Hillmann who was off-duty rushed over and shoved the man. A bouncer and the bar's manager intervened and brought Hillmann outside.
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