Fullerton City Council To Vote On Hiring Law Enforcement Consultant

FULLERTON (CBS) — The Fullerton City Council may hire a consultant to deal with a controversial police beating that led to the death of a homeless man.

Kelly Thomas, 37, suffered from schizophrenia. He died five days after suffering severe neck and head injuries when he was arrested on July 5.

Thomas' family filed a claim last week that alleges conspiracy, negligence, violation of civil rights and unlawful customs and practice.

Six Fullerton officers are on paid leave while the FBI and others probe witness accounts that officers brutally beat Thomas after investigating several car burglaries.

The city council will discuss hiring a law enforcement consultant to investigate employee conduct at a Tuesday night meeting.

An independent consultant could cost the city as much as $70,000.