A groundbreaking 2024 investigation by the San Francisco Chronicle exposed how California police departments systematically hide officer misconduct through secret “clean record agreements.” These backroom deals allow problematic officers to resign before investigations conclude, erase disciplinary records from public view, and even secure new law enforcement jobs elsewhere. This institutionalized cover-up culture makes it exponentially harder for victims to prove patterns of abuse or hold departments accountable.
This is precisely why veteran attorney Jerry L. Steering built his practice around dismantling police secrecy tactics. With over four decades specializing in police misconduct cases, Mr. Steering embodies the adage, ‘The young lawyer knows the law, the old lawyer knows the judge.’ His experience has forged proven methods to penetrate these smokescreens, combining exhaustive document discovery with an unparalleled network of law enforcement whistleblowers who risk their careers to expose wrongdoing.
Jerry’s track record speaks to his ability to overcome systemic cover-ups. He has secured over $50 million in misconduct settlements while forcing departments to release hundreds of concealed complaints. One landmark case compelled a Southern California agency to produce 87 hidden disciplinary files on an officer later involved in a fatal shooting. These victories demonstrate how Steering Law succeeds where others fail by relentlessly pursuing paper trails across multiple jurisdictions.
The firm’s success stems from its unique investigative methodology. When departments claim an officer has a clean record, Steering’s team immediately subpoenas resignation agreements from every agency where that individual worked. They recover draft internal affairs reports that were never finalized, training records showing repeated warnings, and personnel file anomalies. Simultaneously, they activate a network of whistleblowers cultivated through decades of police litigation – including records clerks, union representatives, and fellow officers willing to expose corruption.
Steering Law frequently partners with investigative journalists to maintain public pressure on departments attempting to bury evidence. This multi-pronged strategy of legal action and media exposure has not only won substantial settlements for victims but also forced policy changes preventing future cover-ups.
For victims harmed by officers with suspiciously clean records, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and statutes of limitations impose strict deadlines. Steering Law offers free, confidential case evaluations to assess whether police misconduct may have been deliberately concealed. With offices strategically located near San Bernardino courthouses, their team is positioned to take immediate action when departments attempt to hide the truth.
Key Resources:
- San Francisco Chronicle Exposé on Police Record Scrubbing
- Attorney Jerry L. Steering’s Professional Background
Contact Steering Law Today: (909) STEER-LAW