Three Riverside police officers are facing possible termination after the department raised concerns about disabled veteran license plates displayed on their personal vehicles, according to the officers’ legal representatives.
The officers — Timothy Popplewell, Richard Cranford and Raymond Olivares — are all military veterans who were awarded a 100% disability rating through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Their attorney argues that the officers lawfully qualified for the plates, which provide benefits such as exemption from vehicle registration fees and access to disabled parking privileges.
However, the Riverside Police Department has questioned whether the officers were eligible to receive the plates while continuing to perform full police duties, according to statements from their attorney, Matthew McNicholas.
McNicholas contends the department’s reasoning misunderstands how veteran disability ratings work under federal guidelines. A veteran may receive a combined 100% disability rating based on multiple service-related conditions, which can include issues such as hearing damage, post-traumatic stress disorder, or physical injuries. According to the attorney, these conditions do not necessarily prevent a person from maintaining employment.
To obtain disabled veteran license plates in California, applicants must provide documentation from a physician or an official veterans’ agency confirming the qualifying disability.
The dispute began last May when the officers were placed on administrative leave while the department conducted an internal investigation into their use of the plates. Their attorneys say the officers were later asked by supervisors to remove the plates from their personal vehicles.
Three of the officers refused the request, arguing they had obtained the plates legally. A fourth officer who had similar plates reportedly complied with the department’s request and has not faced disciplinary action.
In July, the three officers filed a lawsuit in Riverside County Superior Court alleging they were subjected to discrimination and harassment based on their veteran and disability status.
City officials discussed the case during a closed Riverside City Council meeting in late February to determine whether a settlement should be reached. The council ultimately voted not to settle the lawsuit, according to attorneys involved in the case.
Shortly afterward, the officers received formal notices indicating the department intended to terminate their employment.
The Riverside Police Department has declined to comment publicly on the case or the officers’ current employment status, citing confidentiality rules related to personnel matters.
Attorneys representing the officers say the termination process is not yet final. The officers are expected to have the opportunity to challenge the department’s decision during an internal appeal hearing.
All three men served overseas before joining the Riverside Police Department in 2019. Popplewell served in Iraq during his military career, while Cranford also deployed to Iraq and Olivares served in the Marine Corps with assignments in the Middle East and Africa.
The legal dispute continues as both sides prepare for further proceedings.
