Speaking Out on Race Costs Officer a Suspension
Allegations of racism within the Elgin Police Department (IL) could prove costly for a fellow officer. One cop is now paying for his complaints.
"It's very hostile for me," said Officer Henry Smith of the Elgin Police Department.
Smith is the most senior African American officer on the Elgin Police force, and he's talking about what he believes is a racist work environment.
"If you stay in your place and do what you're told and you don't complain about slurs or jokes you're okay," said Smith.
But he did complain, filing written complaints recently with the police department and the city manager's office.
He says that got him suspended for thirty days without pay beginning Monday.
"We have a hostile environment towards African Americans, and the fact that I treat people with dignity and respect is unwanted in that environment," said Smith.
Lieutenant Cecil Smith says that's not true. About ten years ago he joined Henry Smith and seven other black officers who sued Elgin charging discrimination, but he says that was then.
"If you ask me if there's a problem right here right now, I have no concerns," said Lt. Smith.
But Reverend Walter Blaylark was so concerned about racist cops that he recently formed a citizens group which he says has already fielded 11 complaints about allegedly racist cops using derogatory language.
Elgin resident Jarvis Patterson says there seem to be a few renegade cops who target young blacks.
"They just see a group of black kids sitting on the street, so they pull us over just for being black," said Patterson.
