A former Nassau police officer filed a $24 million civil rights lawsuit against the department Wednesday.

Dolores Sharpe accuses the department of falsely arresting her, racial discrimination and verbal and physical abuse.

As News 12 Long Island has reported, Officer Charles Volpe confronted Sharpe outside the Dollar Tree store in West Hempstead in November 2013. She had gone to shop while she was off duty. She says Officer Volpe told her she was blocking his view of an investigation. After identifying herself as a fellow officer, she says he cursed at her.

After shopping, Sharpe says Officer Volpe pulled her over, and a second officer arrived on the scene. She was then arrested - charged with harassment and resisting arrest.

A jury later found her not guilty of criminal charges. However, Sharpe and her lawyer say she did not get her old assignment back and was slapped with departmental charges. She then decided to retire from the force.

"It became clear to me that I was not respected or valued by the Nassau Police Department, and that their backing and support of the two men that abused me on the roadside demonstrated that lack of respect," says Sharpe.

Nassau police say they don't comment on litigation.