Commander Lawrence Polk faced allegations of racial discrimination in a lawsuit filed by Officer Sinnott. Polk was accused of making derogatory comments about Sinnott’s skin tone, comparing it to a brown paper bag, and participating in retaliatory actions against Sinnott, including assigning him defective equipment and unjust disciplinary measures. These actions contributed to a hostile work environment and raised concerns about racial bias within the department. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/illinois/ilndce/1%3A2020cv01917/374748/60/?utm_source=openai))