The city of Fort Worth has authorized $1.1 million to settle a retaliation lawsuit made by a police captain. The captain, Paula Conaway, alleged she was demoted from deputy chief for holding officers accountable. Conaway sued Fort Worth in 2024, stating she was harassed and humiliated by former police Chief Neil Noakes, who retired in 2025.

Background of the Lawsuit

In 2021, Conaway was a Fort Worth Police Department deputy chief. She was assigned to close an internal affairs investigation of a police officer who allegedly punched a driver in the face during a traffic stop. After a grand jury reviewed the case and decided there was not enough evidence to formally charge the officer, FWPD had 45 days to complete the internal investigation. However, the case expired before getting to Conaway’s desk, according to the lawsuit.

Conaway received several incident reports concerning a different officer’s conduct and recommended the implicated officer attend remedial training. Some patrol officers complained about Conaway to Noakes and the Fort Worth Police Officers Association, the lawsuit said. Noakes subsequently reassigned Conaway to Investigative and Support Command, stating it would be “less stressful” for her. Conaway felt she was being disciplined because she had never communicated feeling stressed.

Settlement and Aftermath

City Attorney Leann Guzman said that after reviewing the case, the city determined settling at this time was the most effective and responsible use of public resources. “This decision was made with careful consideration of every factor involved,” Guzman said. “The city firmly denies any liability or wrongdoing related to this matter.” Conaway is still employed as a captain at the FWPD, and both parties agreed her settlement includes the full and final release of her claims against the city.

Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.