PG County Cops Claim Racism In Police Department: Report

Prince George's County police officers of color are suing the county and Police Chief Hank Stawinski, claiming that the department has a major problem with racial bias, according to a report.

WTOP reports that the officers allege that white officers have been given preferential treatment in the department, and that officers routinely use racist language, such as the N-word and comments like, "We ought to bring back public hangings."

The federal lawsuit was filed Wednesday and demands monetary damages as well as policy changes and a change in leadership. In addition to Stawinski, the lawsuit targets former Chief Mark Magaw and two current department heads: Major Kathleen Mills and Deputy Chief Christopher Murtha.

The lawsuit also alleges unconstitutional hiring practices, and that the department targets those who speak up. Thomas Boone, one of the complainants, says he was transferred immediately after filing a written complaint about hiring practices, according to the report.

The Justice Department has been investigating allegations of discrimination in the department since last year, according to the report.

Image via PGPD