Lawsuit Says Lubbock Police Discriminated In Hiring Process

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LUBBOCK (AP) — The Justice Department has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Lubbock, claiming its police department discriminated against Hispanics and women in hiring entry-level police officers.

Federal officials allege in the lawsuit filed Wednesday that the department violated the federal Civil Rights Act in the way it administered its written and physical exams. They contend the city failed to show that the tests screened candidates for skills that are required for the job.

A higher percentage of Hispanics failed the written exam while a higher percentage of women failed the physical test.

The Justice Department had notified the city in June of its findings and that a lawsuit would likely result.

City spokesman Jeff McKito says the city has cooperated with federal investigators and will continue to do so.

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