South Bend, Ind. Police Dept. faces federal discrimination suit

( NewsNation ) — The Justice Department is accusing the South Bend, Indiana police department of discriminating against police recruits in two ways: a written test that discriminates against Black applicants and a physical fitness test that discriminates against female applicants.

“These tests … had the effect of disqualifying Black and female applicants from the hiring process at significantly disproportionate rates,” the department’s Civil Rights Division said in a news release.

In an investigation begun in 2021 covering allegations dating back to 2016, the DOJ said the South Bend Police Department’s written exam and fitness test “do not meaningfully distinguish between applicants who can and cannot perform the position of entry-level police officer.”

In a statement, the City of South Bend said it is cooperating with the DOJ and will “vigorously defend” itself against the allegations. The city said its written test is administered by an outside firm and its fitness requirements are consistent with state standards for police officers.

“I am beyond disappointed that the DOJ has not been forthcoming with how these claims were determined in the first place,” said South Bend Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski in the news release.

The Justice Department said it will seek a court order to ensure that South Bend “uses only lawful tests in its entry-level police officer hiring process.” It will also seek relief for Black and female applicants disqualified by the challenged tests, “including back pay and, for those who can successfully complete the new lawful selection process, job offers with retroactive seniority.”

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