A Binghamton police officer is denied a promotion, and he says it's because the color of his skin and now he's filed a discrimination suit.

In the last ten years, Officer Hamlett has also served as a member of the department's SWAT Team.

An African American, Hamlett has filed a lawsuit against the Binghamton Police Department and its Detective Captain, John Ryan as an Aider and Abettor. Officer Hamlett is suing for racial discrimination against the police department, and Captain Ryan.

"If he had been passed over for promotion in favor of more experienced and qualified candidates, he would have accepted it,” said Hamlett’s attorney John Valentino. “But when he was passed over for promotion in favor of less experienced candidates and he learned from several credible sources that Captain Ryan harbored discriminatory attitudes toward black people, he decided to come forward with this complaint."

Hamlett's complaint stems from his desire to be promoted to the role Detective. He claims that after multiple conversations, interviews, and good reviews, he is the most qualified person for the role.

But in court papers, Hamlett said Detective Captain Ryan is a known racist within the department, and is the reason why he has not been promoted.

Police Chief Zikuski is also mentioned in the complaint that claims he is aware John Ryan is racist. It also claims Zikuski and other department officials failed to intervene or override the captain's decision to not promote Hamlett.

Spectrum News reached out to Chief Zikuski who did not want to comment.

"While the City does not comment on pending litigation, the City was surprised to receive the complaint, as the City’s Personnel Office and Corporation Counsel were investigating this matter, had already interviewed nineteen employees, with at least one more interview scheduled, and had not yet issued a finding,” said Corporation Counsel for Binghamton Kenneth Frank in a statement. “Moreover, the complaint contains numerous allegations not previously presented to the City.   The city denies any racism and will vigorously respond to these allegations."

Officer Hamlett seeks all relief available under the law and that includes a promotion to Detective.