Nationwide — Corey Foy and Michael Griffin, two African American officers with the Seattle Police Department, have filed separate civil lawsuits accusing the department of ongoing anti-Black racism, harassment, and retaliation. They also say they were denied chances for promotion.The lawsuits, filed on the same day earlier this month, include several incidents involving fellow officers. According to KIRO7, Foy recalled being called a “f****** thug” by Officer Andrew Marks for wearing workout clothes to the precinct. The Office of Police Accountability later investigated and recommended Marks be suspended for unprofessional conduct.
In another case, Officer Cody Alidon allegedly told Foy he looked “shady” for walking through a parking lot in a hoodie. When Foy asked if it was because he was Black, Alidon reportedly laughed and drove away.
Griffin said he faced similar harassment. White officers allegedly printed a photo of a Black suspect, replaced the suspect’s face with Griffin’s, and posted it near Sergeant John Marion’s desk. The altered photo remained up for weeks. Griffin also said his name was written over the suspect’s.
Both officers claim they were held to stricter standards than white officers. Foy said he received fewer overtime opportunities. Griffin said he was passed over for a position on the hostage negotiation team and denied a field training officer role, despite over 30 years of service.
Their lawsuits are the latest in a string of complaints against SPD. Multiple current and former officers have accused the department of fostering a toxic culture under former Chief Adrian Diaz. Diaz himself has filed a wrongful termination suit and is seeking $10 million in damages.