Fort Worth Police Captain Sues City, Alleging Retaliation by Police Chief for Enforcing Officer Accountability

FORT WORTH, Texas - A Fort Worth police captain, previously a deputy chief, has filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging retaliation by Police Chief Neil Noakes for her efforts to hold officers accountable.

Captain Paula Conaway's civil suit seeks her reinstatement as deputy chief and monetary damages ranging from $250,000 to $1 million. The lawsuit claims Conaway was demoted and subjected to harassment and humiliation for insisting on officer accountability.

The issues began in February 2021, when Conaway, then a deputy chief, was involved in an internal affairs investigation. An officer under her review had reportedly punched an unresisting driver during a traffic stop. Despite the officer avoiding indictment, the department had a 45-day window to complete an internal investigation. Conaway issued a written reprimand after the time expired, which led to accusations of her "targeting officers" and subsequent retaliation.
Conaway reviewed another officer's conduct, prompting complaints to Noakes. The Fort Worth Police Officers' Association (POA) emailed members about alleged "fishing expedition" audits without naming Conaway. Noakes instructed Conaway's supervisor to investigate these claims, which were deemed unfounded.

The suit details multiple instances where Conaway sought to address the alleged targeting with Noakes, who reportedly avoided or dismissed her concerns. In June 2021, Conaway was reassigned to Investigative and Support Command, a move she perceived as punitive.

In July 2022, the POA president lodged a complaint against Conaway, accusing her of interfering in a Crimes Against Children Unit investigation. Two months later, Noakes convened a meeting without Conaway to solicit complaints about her, ultimately deciding to demote or transfer her.

Despite being the most tenured deputy chief, Conaway claims she faced continuous transfers without her input, unlike her male counterparts who were given options. In July 2023, she was demoted to captain, with Noakes citing a lack of cooperation from colleagues who feared being "targeted" by her.

The suit also alleges that Noakes insinuated Conaway's ineffectiveness in her role, despite numerous positive evaluations and recommendation letters. Conaway contends that her evaluations were stellar until she disciplined officers for excessive force and unconstitutional actions, leading to Noakes' retaliatory actions.
Conaway accuses Noakes of a pattern of retaliation against command staff attempting to hold officers accountable, citing other instances of demotions and removals within the department.
The lawsuit alleges violations of the Whistleblower Act and the Texas Labor Code by the city. This case follows a recent suit by a former Fort Worth police chief against the city for wrongful termination, which was settled last month.