In 2015, plaintiff Alexander Lawrence, a master training officer in his 40s, was demoted to patrol duty by the Long Beach Police Department. Lawrence was responsible for ensuring that the department complied with the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) procedures. However, he claimed that when he refused to agree to transfer a frightened probationary officer to a nicer part of the city of Long Beach, he was demoted. Lawrence sued the city of Long Beach, alleging that the city’s actions constituted whistleblower retaliation. Lawrence claimed that a probationary officer threatened to quit if he was required to work in a dangerous area, so the deputy chief demanded that the probationary officer be moved to the less violent crime area for his training. Plaintiff’s counsel contended that the deputy chief’s offer to the probationary officer violated POST procedures, so Lawrence refused to transfer the officer. Counsel contended that as a result, the deputy chief removed Lawrence from his position and placed him back on patrol duty. Defense counsel disputed Lawrence’s version of events, and argued that the city did not retaliate against Lawrence., Lawrence, who was a 25-year veteran at the department, claimed that he suffered a 10 percent decrease in salary as a result of his demotion and that he found the demotion to be humiliating. He alleged that as a result, he suffers from emotional distress. Lawrence sought recovery of lost wages and damages for his emotional pain and suffering.