Inside the Controversial Role of LAPD’s “Grim Reaper”
From “Jigsaw John” to “Captain Hollywood,” the LAPD boasts a long list of colorful nicknames, but Sergeant Joseph Lloyd, known as the “Grim Reaper,” stands out in a unique way.
Lloyd is a veteran of the internal affairs unit, and reports suggest he has developed a reputation for delving deep into complex investigations—even if it sometimes means bending the truth or ignoring certain evidence.
Despite this, his supporters believe he deserves to handle some of the department’s most politically sensitive cases due to his relentless quest for truth. At 52, Lloyd chose not to comment when approached, but numerous current and former officers shared their perspectives.
Over nearly a decade, Lloyd has worked on internal affairs, probing into misconduct allegations against officers of all ranks. For instance, he was called in to investigate a retired LAPD officer suspected of smuggling firearms across the U.S.-Mexico border. In 2020, when it came to light that elite members had misclassified civilians as gang members, Lloyd was assigned to clarify the situation. Most recently, he was involved in a task force looking into allegations of excessive force used against activists opposed to immigration crackdowns.
In the LAPD, as in many large police departments, internal affairs officers typically prefer to remain in the background, facing skepticism from their peers. However, that’s not the case for Lloyd. With 24 years at the LAPD, he has become a prominent figure in discussions about the department’s longstanding disciplinary issues. Unions representing officers have often complained about favoritism towards high-ranking officials, while others argue that lower-ranking officers who misbehave frequently escape consequences.
A recent study commissioned by Chief Jim McDonnell identified perceived inequities in internal investigations as a significant concern, contributing to low morale among the police force. McDonnell has expressed a desire to expedite investigations and improve the handling of complaints, although previous attempts by chiefs and city councils to reform the system have often stalled.
Sarah Dunster, a former sergeant in Hollywood, claimed she was mistreated during her own investigation concerning an officer accused of misbehavior. She recounted how Lloyd seemed more interested in catching her in a lie than in uncovering the truth, suggesting that her responses were misrepresented in his report. “He wanted to fire me,” she said. Although she was terminated, a recent court ruling provided her with a chance to regain her position.
Others who have worked alongside Lloyd describe him as a thorough investigator occasionally unfairly targeted for the disciplinary outcomes determined by higher-ups. One supervisor, who asked to remain anonymous, described Lloyd as a clever and detail-oriented “bulldog,” noting that he pursues facts without hesitation, often asking tough questions.
However, critics point out that he can be rigid and overly focused on evidence suggesting guilt, leading him to rephrase questions to extract desired answers. Some officers report that Lloyd has a tendency to assume deception rather than seeking clarification on contradictory statements.
Mario Munoz, a former LAPD officer turned consultant, has raised concerns about Lloyd’s methods in a recent 60-page report that highlighted alleged oversights in a 2023 investigation. He asserts that Lloyd’s actions may serve to shield higher management from scrutiny. Munoz believes Lloyd has a track record of prioritizing the department’s image, which sometimes manifests in questionable investigative strategies.
The investigation into the Mission gang unit began with a complaint regarding unwarranted searches, which revealed a troubling pattern of undocumented stops. The more Lloyd investigated, the more alarming details surfaced about “ghost stops.” Following Lloyd’s efforts, several officers were fired and others faced disciplinary actions. Notably, Officer Alan Carrillo is under scrutiny for theft and evidence tampering, having pleaded not guilty.
In an interview, Sergeant Jorge Gonzalez expressed concerns over Lloyd’s aggressive tactics during questioning, recalling a moment when Lloyd appeared to use a phone to gather illicit information. “It felt like intimidation,” Gonzalez said, highlighting the tense nature of his interactions with the investigator.
While some view Lloyd as a necessary force for accountability within the LAPD, others argue that his methods may ultimately undermine his credibility and that of the department he serves.
