The Torrance Police Department in California has found itself on the wrong side of the law following a Los Angeles Times investigation which unveiled a history of excessive force, racist text messages and other discriminatory misconduct. 

More than a dozen current and former TPD officers and recruits exchanged racist text messages over the years, including a photo of several Black men who had been lynched with the caption “hanging with the homies” and another photo asking what someone should do if their girlfriend was having an affair with a Black man, to which the answer was to “break a tail light on his car so the police will stop him and shoot him.” 

RELATED: 9 NYC Firefighters Suspended for Racist Group Chat Mocking George Floyd 

CNN reported the LA Times investigation shows TPD officers made derogatory jokes about Jews and threatened to assault members of the LGBTQ+ community. Since 2013, the same cops who allegedly wrote racist text messages have also been engaged in at least seven use-of-force situations, three of which resulted in the deaths of Black and Latino men. 

TPD now faces an independent review from the state’s Department of Justice. 

In a press release, Attorney General Rob Bonta and TPD Chief of Police Jay Hart condemned the officers’ actions and assured the public they will not be tolerated. 

“Our communities deserve to know they can get equal justice under the law,” said Bonta. “Police departments are on the front lines of that fight every day as they work to protect the people of our state. However, where there is evidence of potentially pervasive bias or discrimination, it can undermine the trust that is critical for public safety and our justice system. 

“I am committed to accountability, and I will not tolerate any form of bigotry, racism, hate, or misconduct,” added Hart. 

RELATED: California High Schoolers in Trouble for Racist ‘Shaniqua’ Instagram Account 

This isn’t the first time a California police department has been placed in the hot seat because of racially discriminatory behavior. 

BNC previously reported a sergeant with the Los Angeles Police Department was previously found not guilty after being accused of breaking department protocol by emailing a Valentine’s Day meme of George Floyd with the message “You take my breath away.” 

Officer Derek Chauvin, who was later sentenced to 22 years in prison, kneeled in Floyd’s neck for about nine minutes in May 2020, killing him. Floyd allegedly told Chauvin multiple times he couldn’t breathe. 

No TPD officers are presently facing criminal charges in connection with the racist text messages, but prosecutors plan to examine previous and continuing cases involving the officers, per CNN. 

RELATED: Police recording: California killings defendant cites racism 

If you or someone you know is struggling from trauma triggered by police misconduct, resources are available here.