A Syracuse police officer is considering filing a $33 million lawsuit against the city, alleging the Syracuse Police Department discriminates and retaliates against its Black members.

A notice of claim was filed by attorneys for officer Brandon Hanks in federal court.

In addition to alleging discrimination in police ranks, Hanks states in the documents that he was unfairly denied a 30-day rotation on a gang task force, which would have made him the only Black officer on the force.

The notice of claim — a precursor to a lawsuit — reportedly seeks to make changes in the department, including the institution of a new program that would provide equal employment opportunities for Black employees, a new system to assign, train, transfer, compensate and promote Black employees in a non-discriminatory manner and the creation of a task force on equality and fairness to monitor and report on the department’s progress.

Some of these demands for change are similar to a number of proposals protestors made last year in Syracuse.

Syracuse's mayor and police chief say they want people to hold off judgment until all of the facts of the case come out.

"I can tell you as an African American being in this business for the past 30 years, being Black and blue is a real thing. It's not Easter Bunny, it's not Santa Claus. It's real. So I understand the range of emotions that officer Hanks has," said Syracuse Police Chief Kenton Buckner.

"I think that racism is prominent throughout our society," Mayor Ben Walsh said. "I don't think any institution is immune to it. I can tell you it will not be tolerated in the Syracuse Police Department."

Like in many other communities, the fight for police reform in Syracuse is ongoing. But Rebirth SYR members say they just got an extra boost of encouragement.

"We don't get many officers to speak out against their brotherhood, so for him to do that is real impactful, and I can tell you one thing, the community appreciates him for doing that," said Rebirth SYR co-founder Mered Billue.

The surprise for some community members wasn't with the allegations themselves, but with who made them.

"He's known throughout the community. The community embraces him, and for him to let something like that out is very impactful," Billue said.

Hanks is known for how he serves and doing fun things like challenging kids to basketball and buying them new shoes if they win.

Police reform advocate and Common Council candidate Kayla Johnson says his allegations show change is needed.

"I think it really starts with the chief. He needs to be addressed, because for him to even let something like that occur, we really need to address that. It might be time for him to go," Johnson said.

When asked on Friday about the allegations of systemic racism in the police department, Buckner asked the community to "reserve judgement until all of the facts are out."

Others, like Nate Flagg, also shared their thoughts.

"I just feel it's about time he spoke up. He deserves to be treated with respect. All the bad they tried to taint his name with, and me knowing him personally, it didn't sit right with me. He's an awesome cop and father. Glad he finally stood firm and let it out," Flagg said.