Annotations for People: Cuellar-linda

The discrimination complaint was filed at the EEOC in August by 12 Hispanic officers. In the last few days, more than a quarter of the membership of the San Antonio Hispanic Police Officers Association have added their names to the complaint. There are 1,527 uniformed police officers in San Antonio. 594 are Hispanic. The complaint alleges Mexican Americans are not recruited for the force in large enough numbers, that Hispanic officers are treated unfairly in disciplinary actions, and that they are overlooked for promotions within the San Antonio Police Department. The complaint alleges Hispanic officers are forced to work in a hostile environment according to spokesman for the Hispanic Officers Association, Jose Marquez.

The EEOC will complete its investigation in February. San Antonio Police Department and city officials refuse to comment on the complaint, but they have defended the department's personnel practices in the past. 80% of the Hispanic officers filing the complaint have 20 years or more experience on the force. Marquez predicts the case will be taken before a federal judge in the spring.

For Latinos USA, this is Linda Cuellar in San Antonio, Texas.