The Dallas Police Department is currently facing a federal lawsuit filed by two female officers who allege gender discrimination within the department. The lawsuit claims that the officers were removed from front line duties solely due to their gender.
Officers Meredith Leftwich and Senior Corporal Kimberly Howard assert that they were unfairly downgraded from their positions within the Fugitive Unit in 2025. The lawsuit highlights comments made by trainers, including references to one officer’s physical stature as merely “her size,” and another being described as “too nice to pull the trigger.”
Despite the allegations, the Dallas Police Department has not provided a comment regarding the lawsuit, and the City of Dallas has opted not to discuss ongoing litigation.
After exhausting internal grievance processes, which included discussions with Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux, Leftwich and Howard decided to take legal action. Both officers have since been reinstated to “operational” status, but they emphasize the lawsuit is necessary to address what they perceive as systemic discrimination within the department.
Attorney JoDee Neil, representing the officers, expressed deep concerns about the hostile work environment, stating, “Everything you see here reflects a hostile work environment that treats highly qualified, dependable, trustworthy females as disposable.” Howard and Leftwich have refrained from making public statements regarding the lawsuit.
Neil further articulated her goals, saying, “I would like to see the files wiped clean, maybe an apology, maybe a public statement. I would also like to obtain critical discovery to understand the severity and prevalence of gender discrimination at DPD.”
Jennifer Atherton, President of the Dallas Police Women’s Association, voiced her frustrations over discriminatory comments made by Major Gerald Smalley. Atherton recounted a conversation where Smalley questioned the number of women in SWAT, implying their absence was justified. “What gets me fired up is that these two ladies are exemplary officers. They are good at their job,” she asserted, highlighting their competence compared to some male colleagues.
As the situation unfolds, the Dallas Police Department has opted to remain silent on the matter, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the claims of discrimination within its ranks.
