Sgt. Charissa Crawford has initiated legal action against the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners, alleging race and gender discrimination, as well as retaliation following her injuries. The lawsuit, filed on May 27, 2025, in Jackson County Circuit Court, claims that Crawford, a Black sergeant with over two decades of service, was repeatedly denied overtime opportunities and favorable assignments while her white male colleagues were permitted to work those shifts. After sustaining shoulder and foot injuries in early 2025, Crawford was placed on limited duty but sought to continue working, requesting overtime as a call-taker. However, she alleges that her requests were denied, and she was subjected to unfavorable assignments, including an unexpected transfer to a communications unit just before her surgery. The lawsuit highlights a pattern of discrimination, asserting that Crawford was treated differently compared to her white counterparts. Additionally, she claims that after filing complaints, she faced ongoing retaliation, including inappropriate remarks from her captain. Crawford is seeking lost wages, compensatory damages, and other legal remedies as part of her lawsuit.