San Diego, CA–The City of San Diego Commission on Police Practices (Commission) announced the appointment of Duane Bennett as the new independent outside counsel.
“I am honored to be able to assist the Commission on Police Practices in its investigatory and oversight role. I believe that the goal is the same for the commission and police department – to ensure appropriate investigations into critical incidents, while maintaining public safety, accountability, due process, equal protection, and the civil rights of all citizens,” Outside Legal Counsel Duane Bennett stated.
Bennett has been actively involved in litigation and consulting related to civil rights, due process, and equal protection involving law enforcement agencies throughout the nation. He has conducted workplace investigations in the counties of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego as well as numerous internal investigations for governmental agencies. He served many years for the Riverside County Sheriffs’ Association and County of Riverside disciplinary matters and grievances. He has also taught law enforcement courses in the states of Arizona, Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana.
Even though retired, Bennett has expanded his private law practice as an experienced arbitrator, mediator and litigator handling employment and commercial disputes involving agencies, financial institutions, and more. He arbitrates and mediates for the American Arbitration Association and serves on the arbitration panel for the San Bernardino Civil Service Commission. He also serves as outside counsel to the San Diego County Law Enforcement Review Board.
Bennett was the first African-American appointed as city attorney in the County of San Diego. He also served as an assistant city attorney, police legal advisor, and deputy district.
He has been a practicing attorney for 39 years. He has extensive experience in governmental law, employment, contracts, land use, insurance, civil rights, and civil litigation. He was the former Oceanside city attorney and Port Attorney/general counsel for the Port of San Diego.
