Palm Springs police chief Dominguez RESIGNS

One week ago, it was determined 
that Palm Springs police
Chief David Dominguez would keep his job.

That determination came after the city’s internal review of police procedure during the 2009 Warm Sands neighborhood public gay sex sting. Dominguez was among those accused of making offensive comments against the gay men arrested in the sting.

Though state law prevents city officials from releasing any details on their review, Ready said, “I don’t believe one comment in his 30-year history should result in his termination.“I’m convinced that his statement, although inappropriate … was not made in any discriminatory regard.”

TODAY HOWEVER, Dominguez resigned.

In case you don’t know the story, Dominguez came under fire after a June 2009 operation in the Warm Sands neighborhood. The sting, which netted 19 arrests, was done in response to what police said were complaints about drug use, public sex and prostitution in Warm Sands. However, it drew complaints that police were targeting gay men unfairly.


During a pretrial hearing, one defendant said a police officer could be heard using a gay slur on a video recording in an undercover vehicle. An attorney for some of those arrested said Dominguez was in that particular car.


The lawyer lodged a complaint, alleging Dominguez disparaged the arrestees to his officers.


“What a bunch of filthy mother f**ckers,” Dominguez allegedly said. “You guys should get paid extra for this.” – another officer involved in the sting was overheard using the slur ‘c**ksuckers.'”


Dominguez apologized last week, and was told he could keep his job, but issued this statement today : ““After careful consideration of the events surrounding the Warm Sands undercover operation, I believe this decision is in the best interest of my family, the city and the Police Department.”