NBC San Diego

A San Diego jury awarded a female former police officer $10 million in damages after she won a harassment and discrimination case against her former employer.

Ashley Cummins, an out lesbian, was “forced to work in a hostile work environment where she was frequently harassed and denied opportunities for advancement based on her sex/gender and sexual orientation,” according to an amended complaint filed in 2023 against the National City Police Department; the city of National City, California; and 50 unnamed defendants. 

The complaint, filed in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, also alleged that “many of the male officers and supervisors indicated that if female officers wanted to fit in at NCPD, they either needed to be submissive to the male officers or sleep with them.”

Cummins alleged she was passed over for a position with the department’s K-9 unit in favor of a male officer with less experience, and she said she and other female officers were discouraged from reporting harassment and gender discrimination, according to court documents. 

The jury found the defendants liable and awarded Cummins damages for both economic and noneconomic losses.

Requests for comment to the National City Police Department were directed to the city. 

National City’s attorney, Barry Schultz, said the city “is extremely disappointed with the outcome and is currently reviewing all of the legal options, including a possible appeal.” He added that National City “remains committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive workplace for all employees.”