Black Officer Accuses Department of Bias

A Sparks police officer, who is suing the city on charges that he was passed over for a promotion because he is black, has filed a court motion seeking his immediate promotion.

The motion for a preliminary injunction, filed Thursday in Reno federal court, claims that Melvin Gentry should be promoted to sergeant now because a delay while the lawsuit moves forward would irreparably harm his career.

Sparks City Atty. Chet Adams said his office was preparing a response to Gentry’s motion, which is expected to be heard this week.

Gentry, the only black in the Sparks Police Department, claims that the city has never promoted a black and that his promotion to sergeant is about more than his personal career.

“I could be quite comfortable in my suburban home, making a good income as the only African American on the force,” Gentry said. “But that is not what my ancestors died for. I feel a responsibility to better my people.”

His lawyer, Terri Keyser-Cooper, argues that the city’s hiring practices, coupled with Gentry’s superior qualifications to three white candidates selected over him in 1997, make it a clear case of discrimination.

Gentry was the only candidate to hold a four-year college degree. The lawsuit seeks Gentry’s promotion, with back pay and damages.

Police Chief John Dotson has decided not to fill another vacant sergeant position until next year.

The National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People has accused Dotson of racism in passing over Gentry for promotion.

But city officials have noted that Gentry had prior disciplinary actions and was ranked lower in employee reviews than other officers.