For years, the department denied that any discrimination took place.

In early 1995, the official said, the department denied the company's application.

Those cases in which the department denies discrimination are subject to a second review.

"The department will not confirm or deny at this time."

But the department denied that racial bias was the reason.

Last month, the department formally denied the company an operating license.

Some senior police officers had acknowledged the policy existed, but the Department denied it.

The department has denied that its disciplinary process is discriminatory.

Mr. Stern said the department denied permission to that group.

The department also denied the state commission's charge that the decision to negotiate sparked later unrest.