PATERSON, N.J. (1010 WINS) — A Paterson police officer sued the city for “direct retaliation” after he was passed over for a promotion allegedly in response to complaints he made about poor treatment of Hispanic officers.
listen to 1010 wins
Lt. Jamie Navarro, a 23-year veteran of the Paterson Police Department, claims officials refused to promote him in retaliation for complaints he made about other Hispanic officers getting passed over for promotions, according to court documents obtained by NJ.com.
Navarro complained about two Hispanic officers getting turned down for promotions at a 2018 Police Benevolent Association meeting. He was turned down for a promotion to captain in June 2020, according to the lawsuit.
“He has never been suspended, is highly decorated and is held in high esteem within the law enforcement community,” the lawsuit said. “Moreover, all of the plaintiff’s evaluations have been exceptional. In short, law enforcement officers do not come any better.”
Navarro has also appeared in promotional materials for the department to attract diverse hires.
He filed the lawsuit last month in Passaic County Superior Court.
Related
Related
