WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – A lawsuit was filed against the Melvindale Police Department, claiming an officer was racially discriminated and targeted during his time there by his coworkers.
Corporal Hassan Hammoud, a practicing Muslim who immigrated to America from Lebanon in 1995, claimed he experienced racial discrimination during his time at the department.
Recommended Videos
Hammoud began working as a police officer for the Melvindale Police Department in March 2021.
In June 2021, Hammoud was subjected to racial harassment by a coworker. He reportedly made numerous complaints, but no action was taken. In 2024, he was told by higher officials that they were made aware of his coworker’s remarks and stated the officer was racist and disliked Arabic people.
The lawsuit also claimed an officer would express racist views and hatred towards the African American community and would use hateful speech. Hammoud told the officer that their behavior, language and racism were not acceptable.
According to the lawsuit, Hammoud was subjected to a series of targeted acts by his coworkers. His coworkers allegedly left the following items in his locker:
- July 5, 2024: A job application.
- Sept. 25, 2024: A photograph of a nude woman.
- Sept. 26, 2024: A wooden Christian cross.
- Oct. 3, 2024: A job application for Mr. Steve’s Pizza in his locker with a note saying “Go,” implying that Hammoud should resign and be a pizza delivery boy
- Oct. 4, 2024: A Christian Bible and cross.
On Oct. 4, 2024, Hammoud made a complaint to the police department’s human resources department about the continued discrimination and harassment and the failure to investigate.
Throughout Hammoud’s employment, he claimed officers would say, “Let’s go hunt,” before patrolling the Detroit-Melvindale city borders and targeting African American citizens.
Hammoud was reportedly threatened by the Melvindale Police Department’s chief to stop writing reports against his coworkers.
Hammoud went on leave from Oct. 11, 2024, to Dec. 8, 2024, due to the stress he faced during his time in the department.
After he returned, the lawsuit claimed he still experienced harassment.
Hammoud learned on Jan. 1, 2025, that a petition was circulating the Melvindale Police Department to terminate his employment.
On Jan. 7, 2025, Hammoud received two write-ups against him, but the lawsuit claimed they failed to provide context and reason for the write-ups.
On Jan. 15, 2025, Hammoud went on leave again due to the stress in the department.
The lawsuit claims Hammoud suffered damages such as stress, humiliation and mental anguish as a result of the police department’s actions.
Local 4 reached out to the Melvindale Police Department for comment. The department plans to hold a press conference regarding the allegations in the coming week.