CINCINNATI — Four police officers from the Cincinnati Police Department are taking legal action against the city and its police chief, alleging discrimination based on their race and gender. The federal lawsuit, filed on Monday, asserts that the officers were unfairly denied promotional opportunities and preferred assignments due to their identity as white males.
The officers involved in the lawsuit—Robert Wilson, Patrick Caton, Gerald Hodges, and Andrew Mitchell—argue that Police Chief Teresa Theetge routinely favored minority and female officers for these sought-after roles. The complaints highlight concerns that promotions were awarded to individuals lower on the list, disproportionately benefitting those who are women or minorities.
According to the lawsuit, preferred assignments come with significant advantages, including perks like take-home vehicles and opportunities for extra pay. These assignments are seen as advantageous for career advancement within the police force, especially concerning promotions. The suit presents statistical evidence, revealing that 79% of minority lieutenants and 89% of female lieutenants received preferred assignments, compared to just 44% of white male lieutenants.
Stewart Isaacs, president of the Sentinel Police Association, expressed confusion over the disparity in these statistics, stating, “We’re scratching our heads because the math isn’t adding up.” Isaacs emphasized that his organization is dedicated to promoting fair treatment for all officers within the department. He noted that the lawsuit was unexpected, particularly mentioning that there are currently only three female Black lieutenants in the department.
Andrew Mitchell, one of the plaintiffs, previously filed a lawsuit against the city in 2021, claiming discrimination based on similar grounds. That case was settled last year for $75,000.
Officials from the Cincinnati Police Department declined to comment on the pending litigation, stating that they do not address ongoing legal matters. A spokesperson for the city echoed this sentiment, reinforcing their policy against discussing such cases. Efforts to reach the mayor’s office for further comment were unsuccessful.
Isaacs remarked on the distraction caused by this lawsuit, saying, “We all wear the badge. We all want to make sure everyone has a safe and productive summer. So, to me, this is a distraction to the whole organization.”
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for employment practices within the Cincinnati Police Department and the ongoing discourse surrounding equality and discrimination in law enforcement.
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