Why is it that when there is a lawsuit filed against a police or sheriffs department, why do they refuse to discuss or comment about pending litigations? are they cowards or what?

Its a simple question, plus, i'm not a law expert, but whenever there is a lawsuit filed against a police or sheriffs department, why do they refuse to discuss or comment about the pending litigation?

Are they being cowards? talk about lack of transparency.

Do they refuse to discuss or talk about pending litigation with the public, because if they end up discussing or commenting about it publicly, will it end up affecting or hurting their chances of winning the case on their end?