Police officer claims racial discrimination, false arrest by her own department

December 5, 2013
PIX 11

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) — A black off-duty police officer says she was improperly charged with resisting arrest and harassment by two white officers during a confrontation last week on Long Island.

The 19-year police veteran claims she is a victim of prejudice.

Nassau County Police Officer Dolores Sharpe made the allegations Thursday during a press conference at her attorney’s Long Island office. She says she has been suspended without pay and is facing a Jan. 9 court appearance on the arrest.

The Nassau County executive’s office and a police department spokesman declined comment. They cited an ongoing investigation.

Sharpe says she was confronted by an officer on Nov. 29 while parking outside a West Hempstead store. Despite identifying herself as a fellow officer, Sharpe claims she was berated and eventually arrested.