Dozens of officers with the Maryland police department signed a complaint and lodged it with the U.S. Department of Justice alleging racial discrimination within their department.

More than 70 officers who are the members of  local chapters of the National Hispanic Law Enforcement Association and the United Black Police Officers Association signed a complaint alleging unfair promotional practices and unfair disciplining among white and minority officers. Concerns also include how the minority officers and white officers interact with each other, said Bob Ross president of the Prince George's County chapter of NAACP. A complaint was filed in October.

In a statement, a Justice Department spokesman said that, "The Department of Justice is in receipt of correspondence from the Hispanic National Law Enforcement Association about this matter. That correspondence has been referred to the Civil Rights Division for response. We have no further comment."

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The Prince George's County Police Department is forming a panel to review the internal practices. The Police Chief Hank Stawinski has not received the complaint but is proactively creating the panel, police sources said. The goal of the panel is to ensure fair practices.

The Assistant Chief Hector Velez said in a statement released after News4 reported the complaint on Twitter, "The panel is a collaborative effort that has been months in the making. If the panel discovers any concerns or issues, the chief wants to know. ... The department is strong because of the men and women who make up our ranks. The Chief wants to hear from them directly." Police also said that, the panel is not being created in response to the complaint.

The department’s independent Inspector General and the representative from Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 89 will co-chair the panel, which will include the union representatives and members of institutions outside the police department.

By Mrudula.