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A former California police officer sued her department for gender-based harassment and discrimination in 2022
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Three years later, a jury awarded her $10 million in damages against the National City Police Department
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Ashley Cummings filed a complaint in San Diego County, later amending it in 2023
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Cummings, who is openly gay, claims she was denied opportunities based on both her gender and sexual orientation
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The civil lawsuit details how Cummings joined the National City Police Department in 2018 as an eight-year police veteran
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In the court documents, Cummings described her experience at NCPD, where she alleged her male colleagues told her women are only welcomed if they were either submissive or slept with them
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During the six-week trial, her legal team presented evidence from 2020 and 2021
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showing Cummings was repeatedly targeted for harassment by fellow officers. Cummings' attorneys also highlighted an incident when a canine position, for which she was qualified
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went to a male officer who lacked the necessary experience. After leaving the department, Cummings struggled to find employment with another police agency
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as her former supervisor actively reached out to stop her, labeling her as trouble
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In a statement to NBC News, the city's attorney said they are disappointed by the outcome
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but they are committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive workplace for all employees
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The case isn't over yet. The National City and its police department can file an appeal or pursue additional legal options
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For Straight Arrow News, I'm Kaylee Carey. Find more fact-based unbiased news right now on the Straight Arrow News mobile app
