The Memphis Police Association and a Memphis Police Lieutenant has filed a lawsuit against the City of Memphis.

The Memphis Police Association and Lt. Gene Hulley has filed a lawsuit against the City of Memphis citing that after Tulley was elected as MPA president, Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin informed him that the Police Services Division would not recognize him as MPA president, nor would they assign him to MPA headquarters or allow him to conduct any MPA business while on duty at his regular assignment.

Tulley defeated two other members running for the position, including the incumbent. According to the lawsuit, on December 5, 2007, Director Godwin issued a bulletin stating that "Lieutenants were members of management, and 'members of management will not hold an elected office with the Memphis Police Association.'"

According to the lawsuit:

"Membership in the MPA is not limited to Patrol Officers and Sergeants. Many officers holding higher ranks, including Lieutenants, Majors, Inspectors, Deputy Chiefs, and even Director Godwin, are members of the MPA."

The lawsuit goes on to state that members of the MPA in good standing are able to vote in internal MPA matters and "for the rank of Major and below, run for elected office within the MPA." The lawsuit also states that since 1992, MPA members have elected at least two Lieutenants to the office of MPA President and the Lieutenants served full terms without interference from the City.

Lt. Hulley says after being elected MPA President, he was told he could not participate in negotiations to discuss a new agreement between the MPA and the City of Memphis. The current agreement expires in June 2008, and negotiations have begun for a new agreement.

A hearing between the two parties is scheduled for Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Eyewitness News Everywhere will be there and will pass along the latest information as it comes available.

What do you think? It's your turn to Speak Up! Memphis.