Lieutenant spoke up about sexism in Pierce County Sheriff’s Department. She’ll get $200K
Pierce County has reached a $200,000 settlement with a Sheriff’s Department lieutenant who sued the agency last year, alleging leadership discriminated against her and other women.
Lt. Jessica Whitehead’s lawsuit against the agency, its Human Resources department and three male employees claimed she was punished for asking to not be assigned to child-violence investigations following the death of her step-daughter in 2019. Whitehead also contended a complaint to HR was mishandled. For asking for that accommodation, Whitehead, a 16-year veteran, asserted that the Sheriff’s Department’s second-in-command called her and other female employees “bitches.”
Undersheriff Brent Bomkamp wrote in a court filing that he never said it, and he wouldn’t ever refer to women at the Sheriff’s Department as such. He said it was a rumor.
Whitehead’s attorney, John Cummings, told The News Tribune a disinterested third party could corroborate his client’s report, but it made sense to settle the case. He said Whitehead was a “hero” for speaking up.
“I really do think she’s a role model for people who see discrimination and speak up and point it out and want things to be better,” Cummings said.
Attorneys representing the defendants wouldn’t comment beyond the basics of the settlement, stating that it resolved all disputed claims and that Pierce County makes no admission of guilt. According to Pierce County Superior Court records, the case was dismissed Oct. 4.
Whitehead was not assigned to the Special Assault Unit, which involves investigating cases where children are victims of violent and sexual crimes, but according to the suit, that decision didn’t come until Whitehead’s counselor said she would be placed on PTSD leave if she was transferred.
Cummings said deposing employees in the case showed him how “terrifying” it can be for people to talk about discrimination in the workplace, often because people are fearful of facing retaliation. The attorney said Washington state has robust anti-retaliation laws but that they only protect employees if they report discrimination. Employees should always make a report if they see or experience discrimination, Cummings said.
Whitehead is one of 166 women in a department of 634 employees, according to county statistics.
Cummings said past settlements on similar cases arising from the Sheriff’s Department have required the agency to do training on gender discrimination, but he said putting leaders and government agencies in front of a PowerPoint doesn’t fix the problem.
“Ending discrimination is about holding people accountable and also having real conversations,” Cummings said.
The attorney said he hopes the Sheriff’s Department takes this as an opportunity to more meaningfully listen to women. He also wants them to see that it’s costly to ignore discrimination.
“Unless they take proactive steps and include women and make sure it’s clear that women belong in law enforcement, they’re not doing enough,” Cummings said.
