Comments on: City pays $100K over cop’s conduct, now faces claim from him

By: Vern Dennis

Vern Dennis — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 14:04:23 +0000

The police officer should file suit against the individual who fied the civil rights complaint, if indeed it was baseless. That’s the person who slandered him

If it wasn’t baseless, then this is the very definition of a frivolous lawsuit and should be vigorously defended

By: Robert L. Cerra

Robert L. Cerra — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 10:42:42 +0000

Good for the police officer. It is encouraging to see officers claim the same rights that individuals are granted. Claims of civil rights violations are sometimes used to mask some crime or inappropriate behavior, or mount a defense when no other one is available.

By: Boblipton

Boblipton — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 13:42:35 +0000

As another New York City taxpayer, Marty, I have a slightly more jaundiced view of the matter. I don’t see enough information to determine whether Lake Stevens hung the officer out to dry or whether the cop did as charged. All I know is that the tax payers are going to pay off everyone, regardless of who did what to whom.

Bob

By: MARTY MURPHY

MARTY MURPHY — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 18:14:32 +0000

As a NYC resident and taxpayer, I see a positive effect in this turnabout.

Too many government agencies are settling merit-less lawsuits in order to avoid the costs of litigation, leaving the blame-less officer in the lurch. The news media interprets these settlements as ‘proof’ of the officer’s malfeasance and vindication of the accuser. It also encourages predatory lawyers to bring even more lawsuits that have no real merit.

If the officer can turn around and sue the agency that abandoned him, it will give the agency a good reason not to settle.

By: Hugo S. Cunningham

Hugo S. Cunningham — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 12:51:58 +0000

Congress should, as part of a civil rights act, make it easier for States and localities to discharge dangerous or bullying cops without regard to union contracts or civil service rules. There should be safeguards for an honest cop targeted by a corrupt administration, but the difference is usually obvious.