JL Group Workplace Solutions

09/01/2026

INVESTIGATOR SPOTLIGHT: JEFF BRATCHER

We’re pleased to welcome retired LAPD Captain Jeff Bratcher to the JL Group.

Jeff brings 34 years of distinguished law enforcement experience with the Los Angeles Police Department, where he served in a wide range of investigative, supervisory, and command roles. His experience includes patrol, gangs, detectives, Internal Affairs, officer representation, administrative hearings, and executive leadership.

During his career, Jeff served as Commanding Officer of patrol, detective, and juvenile divisions and led the department’s COMPSTAT division, providing strategic recommendations to the Chief of Police. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, and the Force Science Institute.

Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree from Cal State Long Beach and a master’s degree in leadership from USC.

We’re proud to have Jeff’s depth of experience and perspective on the JL Group team. Welcome, Jeff!

08/27/2026

A recent California Court of Appeal decision largely upheld a school district’s ability to seek a workplace violence restraining order to protect employees from an ongoing pattern of harassing conduct, despite a separation agreement releasing claims against the individual.

For employers, the ruling is an important reminder that California law allows action in response to harassment, not just violence or credible threats of violence. Employers may have options to intervene before concerning conduct escalates.

👉 Read the full article: https://www.hcamag.com/us/specialization/employment-law/california-court-says-employers-cant-waive-workplace-violence-orders/581635

JL Group is available to assist public agencies with independent workplace investigations, assessments and training.

Contact us with any questions: www.jlgroup.net

Unparalleled experience. Unwavering results.

A separation agreement won't block a company from shielding its staff, the justices found

08/18/2026

A recent U.S. Department of Justice investigation into two California women's prisons raises significant concerns about how allegations of staff misconduct are reported, investigated and addressed.

Federal investigators found deficiencies in reporting systems, investigative protocols, staff training and oversight, and gave the state 49 days to implement a series of reforms.

For correctional and other public agencies, the findings highlight the importance of confidential reporting channels and thorough, impartial investigations when serious allegations are raised.

👉 Read the full article: https://www.corrections1.com/legal/calif-womens-prisons-failed-to-protect-inmates-from-s*x-abuse-by-staff-doj-says

JL Group is available to help public agencies with independent workplace investigations and internal affairs matters. Learn more at jlgroup.net.

Unparalleled experience. Unwavering results.

Federal investigators ordered expanded camera coverage, confidential reporting channels and stronger staff oversight, giving the state 49 days to implement reforms

08/12/2026

ANAHEIM INVESTIGATION UPDATE:

The impact of a significant investigation can continue long after the initial findings are released.

Four years after the FBI corruption probe in Anaheim first surfaced, a new civil lawsuit filed by the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce raises additional allegations involving conduct during that period.

👉 Read the article: https://irvinecitynews.com/anaheim-chamber-sues-ex-ceo-todd-ament-alleging-bribery-scheme-tied-to-consultant-with-irvine-council-ties/

www.jlgroup.net

By staff report Four years after an FBI corruption probe surfaced in Anaheim, the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce has filed a fraud lawsuit against its former

08/05/2026

California's Public Records Act remains largely unchanged, for now.

After widespread opposition, lawmakers removed provisions that would have imposed new fees and additional barriers for certain public records requests. The bill now focuses primarily on extending agency response timelines.

For public agencies, this serves as a reminder that sound documentation and effective records management remain essential to government transparency.

👉 https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/california-transparency-law-senate-judiciary/

www.jlgroup.net
Unparalleled experience. Unwavering results.

A bill that would have charged some people high fees to secure records from California public agencies was scaled back. Dozens of groups are still opposed

07/29/2026

🔒 This case is a timely reminder of the strength of California’s privacy laws. Whatever the content of a conversation, whether someone has the legal right to record it is a separate question.

For public agencies and employers, how suspected misconduct is documented can carry legal and administrative consequences of its own.

👉 Read the article below for more details: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-07-09/lapd-officer-racist-homophobic-comments-recordings-lawsuit

For guidance navigating complex workplace and organizational issues, reach out to us today: www.jlgroup.net

An attorney for LAPD Officer Daniel Flores said his client could face criminal prosecution for recording conversations by members of the unit tasked with deciding who can join the police force. New details about Flores' recordings were disclosed in a lawsuit he filed against the city.

07/28/2026

A recent California Court of Appeal decision broadens the potential consequences of workplace harassment claims.

In Decloedt v. RadNet Management, the court held that harassment based on s*xual orientation qualifies as s*xual harassment under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

As a result, these claims may fall within the federal exemption that allows employees to pursue s*xual harassment cases in court, even when a predispute arbitration agreement exists.

For California employers, the decision reinforces a broader point: supervisors must know how to recognize and escalate concerns, and every complaint requires a prompt, impartial, and well-documented response.

Read the full article: https://londoninsider.co.uk/california-court-of-appeal-rules-s*xual-orientation-harassment-falls-under-federal-arbitration-exemption/

Questions about how this affects your organization? Give us a call 949-282-8181 or contact us at www.jlgroup.net

A California Court of Appeal has ruled for the first time that harassment based on s*xual orientation constitutes s*xual harassment under state law, with major implications for arbitration agreements. The decision, reached in Decloedt v. Radnet Management, Inc., means that employees alleging s*xual....

07/10/2026

A decision issued this week by the California Supreme Court affirms the subpoena authority of independent oversight agencies over sheriff’s offices and reinforces the growing focus on law enforcement accountability across the state.

For public agencies, the issue underscores the importance of clear policies, thorough documentation, and professional investigative processes.

At JL Group, we support public agencies with independent investigations, internal affairs, organizational assessments, and training that help strengthen accountability, transparency, and public trust.

Read the article:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/oversight-of-sheriff-s-offices-affirmed-by-california-supreme-court/ar-AA27wkrb

Unparalleled experience. Unwavering results.

County governments in California can establish agencies to oversee their sheriff's offices and obtain their records under a ruling affirmed Wednesday by the state Supreme Court.

07/02/2026

Celebrating 250 years of freedom. 🇺🇸

This Fourth of July, we hope you take a moment to reflect on our nation’s independence and the freedoms we are fortunate to share.

From all of us at JL Group LLC, we wish you a safe, meaningful, and happy Fourth of July.

jlgroup.net
Unparalleled experience. Unwavering results.

06/29/2026

The EEOC just raised the stakes for employers.

Its new enforcement plan signals a significant shift in what investigators will be looking for, with increased focus on hiring, promotions, accommodations, retaliation, and certain diversity-related employment practices.

Waiting until an EEOC charge is filed is the wrong time to find out your policies or documentation don't hold up.

This article outlines what changed and the areas every employer should review now.

📖 Read the article below.
bit.ly/3SAhpmW

Questions? We're here to help. www.jlgroup.net