This browser does not support the Video element.
Female cops accuse Seattle Police leadership of sexual harassment
Four female police officers have filed a tort claim against the Seattle Police Department, alleging sex discrimination, sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.
SEATTLE - The City of Seattle has reached a $2.6 million settlement with four female police officers who claimed they were sexually harassed, discriminated against and subjected to a hostile work environment.
The city settled a lawsuit filed by current and former Seattle police officers Lauren Truscott, Valerie Carson, Kame Spencer and Judinna Gulpan.
They allege they were "groomed" and harassed by then-Police Chief Adrian Diaz, Lt. John O'Neil and SPD's human resource manager, Rebecca McKechnie, and filed the initial complaint in April 2024. The lawsuit also claimed that Seattle Police has a history of sexual discrimination and harassment, which the department even validated with their "30x30" report in Sep. 2023, which identified the many barriers faced by women in SPD — masculine culture, double standards for women, exclusion, discrimination and more.
The women originally sought $5 million in recompense.
Four Seattle police officers who accused the department of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and hostile work environment. (FOX 13 Seattle)
City settles sexual harassment lawsuit
"We are happy to see the City of Seattle take accountability for what was a clear lapse in leadership by the previous administration. We hope new leadership will improve working conditions for
everyone within the Seattle Police Department," said Sumeer Singla, one of their attorneys. "Our clients are pleased to put this episode behind them. They are committed to serving the City of Seattle and hope for successful careers within the Seattle Police Department."
Three of the four women continue to serve in the Seattle Police Department, and one has since retired.
FOX 13 Seattle has reached out to the Seattle City Attorney's Office, but has not heard back yet.
MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
Cruise ship diverts 120 miles to rescue 74-year-old sailor stranded off Oregon coast
Auburn man to be sentenced for hate crime attack on bus
Pacific, WA police bust illegal marijuana grow operation with bear traps set
Auburn Police fires officer arrested for immoral communication with minor
Longview mill implosion: Thousands of dead fish found in drainage ditches
2 arrested in deadly shooting of 17-year-old in Parkland, WA
Here's what to know about Seafair's 4th of July fireworks at Gas Works Park
University of Washington honors slain student Juniper Blessing
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
The Source: Information in this story comes from Frey Buck and previous coverage from FOX 13 Seattle.