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Attorneys representing 16 Denver Hispanic police officers will hold a news conference this morning to announce the filing of a federal class-action discrimination lawsuit against the Denver Police Department and City and County of Denver.

After over two years since first revealing the complaint of a “pattern of discrimination based on race and gender,” Denver attorney Leonard Martinez confirmed yesterday that his firm is ready to file suit in the name of 16 Hispanic police officers. The complaint originally started with 27 Hispanic police officers filing grievances with the Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Denver. 

The complaint alleges discrimination in recruitment, hiring, promotions and discipline, said Det. Rufino Trujillo, president of the National Latino Peace Officers Association in Denver. 

Martinez said the suit took over two years to file because the EEOC was conducting an investigation in order to issue a right to sue letter. He said the commission finally issued the letter recently, allowing the lawsuit to move forward.

Police statement today

Denver police spokesman Lt. Ronald Saunier said Chief Gerald Whitman was aware of the lawsuit and would issue comment today after the news conference. He added that the Department of Safety’s Equal Employment Opportunity Coordinator, Emily Lauck, will also likely release a statement today concerning departmental progress in the area of uniform equal employment opportunity standards and training.

Manager of Safety Al LaCabe created the EEO coordinator position in 2006 to prevent discrimination in the department and be able to quickly respond to discrimination when it happens.

Assistant City Attorney David Broadwell did not return an e-mail yesterday from the Denver Daily News seeking comment.

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