Officers Seek $10 M in Lawsuit against Police Department

May 30 2009

Burbank – The police department and seven police officials are named as the defendants in a suit filed Thursday by five police officers regarding allegations of retaliation and acts of discrimination and sexual harassment.

The suit was filed in Superior Court and claims $10 million for damages caused by the acts.

The complainants claimed that racial and sexual insults were directed to them and to their colleagues which creates a hostile work environment. They said that even suspects and civilians have been victimized by these acts.

The five police officers allege that the department officials tolerated discrimination and harassment acts in the department and that retaliatory actions were made against those who complain about the said acts.

The plaintiffs also noted in their suit that there has been no African American promoted as a police officer in the 100 years of existence of Burbank Police Department.