Maryland Officers File Complaint With Justice Department Alleging Racial Discrimination in Police...

Maryland Officers File Complaint With Justice Department Alleging Racial Discrimination in Police Department

Dozens of officers with a Maryland police department signed a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Justice alleging racial discrimination within their department.

More than 70 officers who are members of the local chapters of the National Hispanic Law Enforcement Association and the United Black Police Officers Association signed the complaint alleging unfair promotional practices and unfair disciplining among white and minority officers. Concerns also include how minority officers and white officers interact with each other, said Bob Ross president of the Prince George's County chapter of the NAACP.

The complaint was filed in October.

"The Department of Justice is in receipt of correspondence from the Hispanic National Law Enforcement Association about this matter," a Justice Department spokesman said in a statement. "That correspondence has been referred to the Civil Rights Division for response. We have no further comment."

The Prince George's County Police Department is forming a panel to review internal practices. Police Chief Hank Stawinski has not received the complaint but is proactively creating the panel, police sources said. The goal of the panel is ensuring fair practices.

Read more: http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Maryland-Officers-File-Complaint-With-Justice-Department-Alleging-Racial-Discrimination-in-Police-Department-412593953.html