Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Ian Bryson
United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
The Derek Smith Law Group secured a $1.8 million outcome on behalf of two female former Philadelphia police officers who filed a lawsuit alleging gender discrimination and sexual harassment within the police department. The verdict included $1 million awarded by a federal jury and approximately $800,000 in attorneys’ fees and expenses.
The case sparked national attention after the allegations led to the resignation of then-Police Commissioner Richard Ross in 2019.
Case Summary
Cpl. Audra McCowan and Patrol Officer Jennifer Allen brought forward claims that they were subjected to a hostile work environment after raising concerns about repeated sexual harassment. According to the lawsuit, male colleagues touched Allen inappropriately, interfered with her ability to breastfeed at work, and allegedly tampered with her stored breast milk.
After filing complaints, both women were assigned to undesirable jobs and given erratic shift changes. The jury awarded each woman $500,000.
Cpl. McCowan, who supervised Officer Allen, also alleged that former Commissioner Ross failed to intervene in retaliation for a prior romantic relationship he had with her, which ended in 2011. Ross denied the allegation but resigned for what he described as “the good of the city.”
Following his resignation, the City of Philadelphia appointed Danielle Outlaw as the department’s first Black woman commissioner.
During trial, a psychiatrist testified that both plaintiffs suffered from post-traumatic stress syndrome stemming from their 15-year careers in the department. Cpl. McCowan now works at a school earning less than half her former police salary. Officer Allen remains unable to work.
Legal Impact
This case brought to light systemic issues in one of the nation’s largest police departments and delivered a strong message about accountability, equity, and the treatment of women—especially women of color—in law enforcement workplaces.
Attorney Statement
“I think this verdict sent a message that this isn’t how you treat people,” said The Derek Smith Law Group attorney Ian Bryson.
Contact The Derek Smith Law Group
If you’ve experienced gender discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in the workplace, The Derek Smith Law Group can help. Our attorneys are committed to fighting for workplace justice in New York, California, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Washington, D.C.
📞 Call 800.827.2209 for a free, confidential consultation.
