Practice Groups

Case Summary

Jackson DeMarco Tidus Peckenpaugh ("JDTP") represents the Plaintiffs in the case of Edwards, et al. v. City of Long Beach, case # CV05-08990 ABC(PLAx) 2005. The case was filed in the U.S. District Court, Central District of California and granted preliminary certification as a collective action on behalf of Long Beach police officers with a rank of Lieutenant or below. Mr. Edwards, a police officer in the Long Beach Police Department, and other officers seek to recover unpaid overtime wages and reimbursement for certain required work related expenses.

The officers contend that the Long Beach Police Department required them to work overtime without compensation in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). The Edwards lawsuit asserts that the City failed to properly compensate the officers for the time spent performing required and integral pre-shift and post-shift activities such as attending briefings, court hearings, collecting and maintaining protective gear and specialized equipment, and other tasks benefiting the City of Long Beach. The officers also seek compensation for missed meal and rest periods and reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred in purchasing and maintaining protective gear, weapons, uniforms, safety equipment, as well as mileage and parking fees associated with traveling to court.

As a result of the preliminary approval, the court has determined that a Notice of a Collective Action will be sent to current and former Long Beach police officers who can now opt-in to the Edwards lawsuit as a class action lawsuit. The parties are finalizing the text of the Notice, which is expected to be mailed in near future.

Court Documents

	First Amended Complaint and Demand for a Jury Trial; February 13, 2006
	US District Court Order - Preliminary Certification as a Collective Action; December 12, 2006

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Join this Lawsuit

The Edwards case was preliminarily designated as a collective action and is seeking significant damages for unpaid wages, overtime and penalties. If you wish to join this case, you will need to opt-in to the class. As in all FLSA cases, the statute of limitations continues to run against the claimant until the opt-in form is filed.

If you want to opt-in, it is important you do so promptly. It can make a difference financially. The less time you are a part of the case, the less time we can recover overtime for on your behalf.

You can request a Consent to Join form and the other necessary documents by contacting JDTP at (866) 855-4275.