A former Norfolk, Virginia, police officer has filed a lawsuit against the city and its police chief alleging the department failed to address her concerns after she was allegedly exposed to a biological male in a women's locker room.
Former officer Meghan Grabow filed a $15 million lawsuit on August 10, 2024, following an incident in August 2024 where she claimed a recruit described as a "biological male who identifies as a woman" entered the women's locker room while she was changing. Grabow stated she was wearing only underwear when the recruit, dressed in a suit and tie, entered the room and allegedly looked at her "as a man would look at a woman" before moving to another area.
Grabow alleges she reported her discomfort to superiors, including Police Chief Mark Talbot, but was told to "learn to deal with it" and to "find another locker room" if she was uncomfortable. The lawsuit further claims Talbot instructed officers to refer to the recruit as "she" and that the recruit would use facilities "appropriate for her gender."
Grabow suspended after raising complaint
The lawsuit states Grabow received an indefinite suspension in 2025, pending termination, over a minor traffic violation committed prior to the locker room incident. The complaint notes that other officers have since left the department due to backlash over the department's transgender policies.
Department acknowledges policy handling could improve
According to the complaint, Chief Talbot acknowledged that officers should have been better warned about sharing facilities with a biological male. The lawsuit seeks $15 million in compensatory damages, alleging intentional infliction of emotional distress and retaliation.
Background: Department policies and officer concerns
The complaint highlights broader concerns among officers regarding the department's implementation of transgender policies, including the use of shared facilities. Grabow's legal filing asserts that officers were not adequately informed about the presence of a biological male in women's spaces and were discouraged from expressing discomfort.
The lawsuit does not provide additional details about the recruit's identity or the department's official transgender policy. The Norfolk Police Department has not publicly commented on the allegations as of the filing date.