Nationwide — Corey Foy and Michael Griffin, two African American officers with the Seattle Police Division, have filed separate civil lawsuits accusing the division of ongoing anti-Black racism, harassment, and retaliation. In addition they say they had been denied probabilities for promotion.The lawsuits, filed on the identical day earlier this month, embody a number of incidents involving fellow officers. In accordance with KIRO7, Foy recalled being known as a “f****** thug” by Officer Andrew Marks for sporting exercise garments to the precinct. The Workplace of Police Accountability later investigated and beneficial Marks be suspended for unprofessional conduct.
In one other case, Officer Cody Alidon allegedly advised Foy he seemed “shady” for strolling by way of a car parking zone in a hoodie. When Foy requested if it was as a result of he was Black, Alidon reportedly laughed and drove away.
Griffin mentioned he confronted related harassment. White officers allegedly printed a photograph of a Black suspect, changed the suspect’s face with Griffin’s, and posted it close to Sergeant John Marion’s desk. The altered picture remained up for weeks. Griffin additionally mentioned his title was written over the suspect’s.
Each officers declare they had been held to stricter requirements than white officers. Foy mentioned he acquired fewer extra time alternatives. Griffin mentioned he was handed over for a place on the hostage negotiation staff and denied a area coaching officer position, regardless of over 30 years of service.
Their lawsuits are the newest in a string of complaints towards SPD. A number of present and former officers have accused the division of fostering a poisonous tradition beneath former Chief Adrian Diaz. Diaz himself has filed a wrongful termination swimsuit and is looking for $10 million in damages.
