Of the department’s 51 lieutenants, there are two black men and one Asian man, according to department personnel numbers. Of the department’s captains, the next highest rank, only one of 23 captains is black - Pervis Ryans, who is retiring this month.
William Sinnott, the city’s corporation counsel, said he had not been served with the lawsuit yet and could not comment.
“We’ll give it the same thoughtful attention that we give any lawsuit,’’ he said.
Elaine Driscoll, spokeswoman for the Boston Police Department, also declined to comment.
“We have not had the opportunity to review the information and would not comment on pending litigation,’’ she said.
The complaint was filed more than a year after lawyers representing 44 minority patrol officers from around the state presented closing arguments in a case alleging that the sergeant’s exam discriminates against black and Latino officers.
US District Court Judge George O’Toole has yet to make a decision in that case, which could have a dramatic effect on how officers are promoted in the state.
Boston police officers have not taken a supervisor’s promotional exam since 2008 as they wait for O’Toole’s decision.
Civil service exams are given to most public sector employees seeking a job or promotion, but competition is fierce among public safety officials looking to move up the ranks. Chiefs and commissioners are required under state law to promote the top scorers. In Boston, police are promoted to sergeant or lieutenant based mostly on their scores on the exam, but experience and education are also considered to a much lesser degree.
Some officers have complained that by relying mostly on exam scores, the department is promoting those who are good at memorizing, but not necessarily at leading.
“The Army would never promote people using pen and paper tests when you’re looking for people who can lead in battle,’’ Lichten said. “Well, lieutenants lead in battle.’’
