A Boston Cop's Fight for Justice: Harassment, Firing, and a $1M Win

Former officer claims hostile work environment due to inappropriate comments

Key Points

Verdict: $1 million awarded to Enxhi Qirici
Claim: Hostile work environment due to inappropriate comments
Jury Decision: No discrimination or retaliation, but hostile work environment confirmed
Background: Qirici, an Albanian immigrant, dated a Black colleague, leading to alleged lewd jokes and pregnancy speculation
Firing: Terminated during probationary period in 2019
Department's Defense: Poor job performance cited
Incidents: Two incidents of alleged temper loss, leading to desk duty and continued harassment
Complaint: Filed with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
Final Award: $1 million in damages, expected to grow to over $1.5 million with interest

Detailed Account

Background and Allegations

Enxhi Qirici, a former Boston police officer, recently secured a $1 million verdict against the Boston Police Department. She alleged that her colleagues made inappropriate comments about her personal life and relationship. The jury did not find evidence of discrimination or retaliation but concluded that Qirici faced a hostile work environment.

Timeline of Events

2018: Qirici, who immigrated to the U.S. from Albania, began dating a Black colleague.
2019: Shortly after, coworkers allegedly made lewd jokes and speculated about her pregnancy. She was fired during her probationary period.

Department's Defense

The Boston Police Department argued that Qirici's termination was due to poor job performance. They pointed to two specific incidents:

A heated argument with a Northeastern police officer over parking.
Crying in a bathroom after an interaction with a state trooper.

Following these incidents, Qirici was placed on desk duty and claimed to face daily comments and speculation from her colleagues.

Legal Proceedings

Qirici filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination in early 2019 and was fired shortly after. Her attorney emphasized that the case was about fairness and equality. The jury awarded her $1 million in damages, which is expected to grow to over $1.5 million with interest.