DOJ dismisses discrimination lawsuit against South Bend Police Department, mayor and police chief respond

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The City of South Bend announced the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) dismissed their lawsuit with prejudice against the city on Feb. 26.

The initial lawsuit was originally brought against the South Bend Police Department in October 2024, with claims that their hiring practices violated Title VII and specifically discriminated against black and female job applicants.

In response to the dismissal, South Bend Mayor James Mueller and South Bend Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski released statements.

"I am glad the Department of Justice dismissed this baseless lawsuit, which was an inappropriate use of federal power," said Mueller. "I am proud of SBPD's efforts to hold our officers to high standards and build a city team that reflects the rich diversity of our community."

“From the beginning we believed facts and common sense would prevail,” said Ruszkowski. “This rightful and decisive adjudication has confirmed SBPD's hiring process as both lawful and fair.”