SEATTLE — A detective with the Seattle Police Department has filed a $10 million claim with the city against the department, alleging she’s faced years of racial and gender discrimination.
Detective Denise Bouldin alleges her outreach to communities of color became a source of resentment and hostility from some of her colleagues.
Detective Cookie, as she is widely known, has championed chess as a way to teach children how to use their minds to excel since 2006.
A park in Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood dedicated in her name opened last year.
Bouldin detailed a range of incidents, including officers not coming to her aid as backup and dog waste being placed in front of her locker.
“Detective Bouldin continues to serve as a member of the Seattle Police Department because of her deep dedication to service. She has stuck with this job for four decades because she believes that she can make a positive difference in the lives of others,” the claim reads in part. “She files this claim for damages in the hopes that the department will authentically address issues related to the racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination she has faced during her career.”
KIRO 7 has reached out to the City Attorney’s office for comment but has not yet received a response.
The city has 60 days to respond. If the claim is denied, Bouldin can then file a lawsuit.
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