A groundbreaking settlement has been reached in a 1999 lawsuit in which nearly four-dozen cops argued that their working conditions were hostile; that they were more severely punished than white officers in cases of disciplinary action; and they faced retaliation if they challenged their treatment.

New York authorities have agreed to pay more than $26.8 million to settle a federal class-action lawsuit by Latino and black police officers.

Nearly four-dozen cops brought the case in 1999, arguing that their working conditions were hostile; that they were more severely punished than white officers in cases of disciplinary action; and they faced retaliation if they challenged their treatment.

The settlement means that about 12,000 Latino and black officers could now be eligible for damages. The city’s police department has also agreed to make a series of internal changes to its operations. The city in the consent decree admitted no wrongdoing.

• Anthony Miranda, Executive Chairman of the National Latino Officers Association
• Richard Levy, attorney representing the officers.