SDPD detective aims at “good old boy” contingent

It's been a rough couple of years for the San Diego Police Department. Numerous allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence claims have been filed. Residents have registered profiling complaints. In February, the chief of police handed in his badge. Now there's new ink on the department's rap sheet.

On May 1, homicide detective Dana Hoover filed a complaint against the city, its police department, and several homicide detectives for gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and battery, among a few other charges. The complaint details what Hoover says was a "good old boy network" within the police department, where female officers are referred to as "pieces of shit" and high-ranking officers do nothing to address it.

Problems for Hoover, claims the lawsuit, surfaced in February 2013, soon after she complained of mistreatment by two of her colleagues. Instead of addressing her issues, her superiors did nothing.

"[San Diego police Department is run by what can be classified as a 'good old boy network' where those who are part [of] the team are promoted, treated favorably, and left alone. However, those who are not part of the 'good old boy network' who raise issues and concerns are shunted, bullied and treated unfairly, discriminatorily, in a retaliatory manner and set aside."

Examples of the alleged mistreatment include being shut out of crime scenes, demeaned and yelled at in front of other officers, and being told to search rooms that had already been searched. The alleged mistreatment also includes her male counterparts making inappropriate "grunting, animal sounds" when she spoke.

Armed with new allegations, Hoover once again approached her lieutenant and was told to report to her ranking officer. When she did so, Hoover says she was told she was "arrogant, condescending" and disliked.

Hoover followed up by submitting a formal complaint to the human resources department. The complaint resulted in her transfer out of the homicide unit and into a lesser position with the police department.

Hoover is asking for punitive damages and other relief from the city.