Tech Employee At The Kansas City Police Department Alleges Racial Discrimination And Retaliation

A 62-year-old Kansas City resident has filed a lawsuit that claims that her white supervisor gave preferential treatment to younger, white employees with less experience and seniority.

Over the past five years, Dethera Morris, alleges she has been singled out by upper managers, is frequently mocked and ridiculed behind her back, and is generally treated with disrespect because of her race and age.

The employee also alleged she was frequently bullied by her direct boss in front of others and felt intimidated. The lawsuit was filed in Jackson County Circuit Court.

It goes on to allege that the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners is responsible for the continued harassment she faced on the job beginning at least around 2017.

In a letter to the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, Morris wrote that a coworker told her that other employees, including her direct supervisor, mocked her “daily” and that they did not respect her because she is Black and overweight.

The state agency issued a right-to-sue letter in January.

At least three complaints were made to the Human Resources Department and actions necessary to prevent further harassment were not taken.

Sgt. Jacob Becchina, a police spokesman, said in a statement to media that the department does not comment on pending litigation.

He confirmed Morris remains an employee of Kansas City police with the technical support unit.

POCIT will update the story as we continue to see updates.