Bartlesville police officer files sexual harassment lawsuit against city, Fraternal Order of Police

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. - A Bartlesville police officer filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the city and Fraternal Order of Police lodge in federal court Monday, court records show.

According to the filing, a fifteen-year veteran female officer alleges that in the department "harassed her with sexual references, obscene comments, sexually suggestive physical gestures and exposure to inappropriate photos or pictures...creating a work environment so hostile it affected her ability to perform her police duties."

The complainant also alleges that she was retaliated against, denied promotions, and had "secret personnel files" created about her after "repeatedly bringing these conditions to the attention of her immediate supervisors or the Chief of Police."

Additionally, the complainant alleges that she was the victim of gender discrimination in promotion proceedings.

According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff is seeking $3 million in actual damages and $3 million in punitive damages.

The Bartlesville Police Department had no comment on the matter, and the city manager was not immediately available for comment.