Fort Worth police captain Paula Conaway obtained a settlement exceeding one million dollars from the city after pursuing legal action over claims of harassment and retaliation.
The Fort Worth City Council took action on June 9, 2026, with a unanimous vote authorizing payment of $1,116,936 to conclude the matter.
Conaway initiated the lawsuit in August 2024 through the 236th District Court located in Tarrant County, Texas, assigned case number 236-355396-24.
Her complaint detailed a demotion from the position of deputy chief, which she attributed to former Police Chief Neil Noakes responding to her efforts to enforce accountability among officers.
She continues to hold the rank of captain in the Fort Worth Police Department following the resolution.
An official statement from the City of Fort Worth in the Mayor and Council Communication explicitly notes that the City denies all liability for Conaway's claims.
The events leading to the lawsuit reportedly began with actions taken in July 2023, according to details in the legal filings.
The unanimous nature of the council vote indicates broad agreement among elected officials on the advisability of settlement in this instance.
Noakes served as chief during the period when the demotion decision was made.
Conaway's role involved pushing for greater transparency and responsibility in officer conduct.
The district court in Tarrant County handled the initial filing and subsequent proceedings until the settlement.
Law enforcement professionals monitoring similar cases can note the specific dollar amount and the absence of any admission of fault by the city.
This approach is common in municipal legal resolutions to limit further exposure.
The total settlement figure includes various components typical in such employment agreements, though exact breakdowns remain confidential.
The Fort Worth Report and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram both reported on the council decision the following day.
Police1 also documented the Texas city's handling of the police captain's claims involving harassment and retaliation.
