There is so much life beyond a place that hurt you.
Alicia Fitzpatrick, M.S., LCSW, spent eight years in law enforcement. Now she’s a trauma therapist.
Her story in five chapters, from the K-9 board that picked her to the therapy room. Every claim links to the investigator’s report, the city’s memo or the news story behind it.
“If you are silent about your pain, they’ll kill you and say you enjoyed it.”
What the investigator found
Before the K-9 board picked her in February 2020, her file held no write-ups. Over the next five months she faced five complaints, four started by the same sergeant. Women held 8 of the department’s 90 officer positions. On December 20, 2020, the independent investigator found gender bias, discrimination and a hostile work environment. Fifty-three days later, the city manager called the allegations unfounded.
Every date, and where it comes from
Harassment, discrimination or retaliation in your own department
Alicia wrote this site for women in law enforcement who are where she was: doubted, written up, watched, and still showing up to work. Start with the question that’s keeping you up.
- Am I imagining this? Probably not. Write it down and look at the pattern.
- How do I document harassment at my department? A private, dated record, kept on your own device.
- Should I report it inside my department? Usually yes, in writing, and keep a copy.
- What are the deadlines to file a complaint? They are short. In Texas, plan on 180 days, or 90 if the Whistleblower Act applies.
- What counts as retaliation after a complaint? Punishing you for speaking up is illegal on its own.
- How do I find an employment lawyer? Look for one who represents employees, and bring your record.
- How do I take care of myself while this is happening? You don’t have to carry it alone, and you shouldn’t.
In her words
“I am proud of the officer I was. I am proud that I kept going. And I have never felt more honored to do the work I am doing now.”
Alicia, from her statement
Read her whole statementTalk to someone who has been there
Alicia reads every message herself. You don’t need to give your name or your department.