Pelham's only two African-American constables have been suspended after they say one of them complained of racial discrimination.

Sgt. Stanley James and the only other black constable in the 15-person department are accusing their chief of using racial slurs and giving preferential treatment to white officers.

James, who was hired in 2005, says he was pressured to quit after he wrote a letter to the chief, criticizing what he considered unfair treatment of the other black constable. James was suspended for one month on charges of insubordination and misconduct.

Both constables filed a complaint with the Department of Labor in June and are awaiting a hearing.