A group of six current or retired female Suffolk police officers won a discrimination lawsuit against the police department Wednesday.

The women felt they were treated unfairly when they became pregnant and were denied limited duty. Prosecutors say the women were forced on active duty even after they became too large to wear bulletproof vests for protection. Attorneys for the police department argued the women were merely disgruntled at the prospect of using personal time when they were unable to go out on patrol.

Plaintiff Sandra Lochen says the decision is a victory for all women and the exclamation point on her own personal six-year struggle. A police spokesperson released a statement saying the decision was based on a policy put into effect in 2000 that has since changed. The statement says as of five months ago, a pregnant woman may appeal for 90 days of desk duty.