Jury awards former California cop $10M for harassment claims

• Former police officer Ashley Cummins was awarded $10 million in damages after suing the National City Police Department for harassment and discrimination. She claimed the department denied her opportunities due to her gender and sexual orientation.
• During the six-week trial, evidence showed Cummins was targeted for harassment by male officers between 2020 and 2021.
• After leaving the department, Cummins struggled to find work with another police agency.

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A former California police officer who sued the National City Police Department for gender-based harassment and discrimination in 2022 has been awarded $10 million in damages.

Claims of discrimination

Ashley Cummins filed a complaint in San Diego County, which she later amended in 2023. Cummins, who is openly gay, claimed she was denied opportunities due to both her gender and sexual orientation.

The civil lawsuit detailed how Cummins joined the National City Police Department in 2018 as an 8-year police veteran. In court documents, Cummins described her experience at NCPD, alleging male colleagues told her that women were only welcomed if they were either submissive or slept with them.

During the six-week trial, her legal team presented evidence from 2020 and 2021 showing Cummins was repeatedly targeted and harassed by fellow officers. Her attorneys also highlighted an incident in which a K-9 position, for which Cummins was qualified, was given to a male officer who lacked the necessary experience for the job.

After leaving the department, Cummins struggled to find employment with another police agency, as her former supervisor actively reached out to prevent her from being hired, labeling her as “trouble.”

National City considers legal options

In a statement to NBC News, the city’s attorney expressed disappointment over the outcome but reaffirmed the city’s commitment “to ensuring a fair and inclusive workplace for all employees.”

National City and its police department can file an appeal or pursue additional legal options.