Lt. Lauren Truscott, Officer Valerie Carson, Officer Kame Spencer, and Officer Judinna Gulpan are seeking $5 million in damages in a lawsuit. These four female Seattle police officers notified the city of their intention to sue for a hostile work environment, sex discrimination, and harassment.
This lawsuit marks the third filed during Chief Adrian Diaz’s three-and-a-half years as chief, alleging widespread sexism within the Seattle Police Department. The department now faces yet another challenge in its ongoing efforts to address these serious allegations and ensure a safe and inclusive work environment for all its officers.
The allegations of harassment extend to Chief Adrian Diaz himself. Sumeer Singla, attorney for the four women, stated that Chief Diaz engaged in predatory and discriminatory behavior. Singla, a former assistant city attorney for Seattle, revealed that Diaz showed a particular interest in Officer Valerie Carson. Singla wrote that Diaz would often request long chats with Officer Carson at the end of her work shift in public affairs. This behavior became a running joke among Diaz’s security detail, who found it impossible to leave during these interactions.
According to the lawsuit, Diaz also made inappropriate comments about Officer Carson’s attire and footwear, and even asked her to drive alone with him on New Year’s Eve 2020. Feeling uncomfortable, Officer Carson requested that his security detail be present. Furthermore, Chief Diaz offered to do handy work at Officer Carson’s house, an offer she declined.
The Seattle Police Department Office of Public Affairs responded to these allegations by stating that they do not litigate tort claims in the media. Their statement emphasized that the department will not respond to personal attacks based on hearsay and unsupported individual perceptions of victimhood. They believe the comprehensive investigations that will be conducted will provide a more accurate record of the situation.
The lawsuit also includes accounts from Officers Kame Spencer and Jean Gulpan, who claim they were sexually harassed by their supervisor, Sgt. John O’Neil. Both officers had previously filed complaints against O’Neil, who heads the public affairs unit and is considered one of Chief Diaz’s trusted advisors.
According to the lawsuit, Sgt. O’Neil made unwelcome physical advances towards Officer Spencer, who works on the K9 team as a dog handler. His advances, she said, made her feel physically uncomfortable.
