Cooper Erving & Savage LLP obtains judgment against the City of Schenectady Police Department and New York State Troopers for the excessive use of force
In 2008, Cooper Erving & Savage LLP commenced suit in the United States Federal District Court – Northern District of New York against the City of Schenectady Police Department, individual police officers of the City of Schenectady Police Department and two Troopers of the New York State Police for excessive force used against an individual in the City of Schenectady. It was claimed that in April 2006, the Schenectady police officers, with the assistance of the New York State Police, used excessive force and that the City of Schenectady failed to properly train and supervise its officers in the use of force. On March 26, 2010, Judgment was entered against the City of Schenectady and the individual officers.
After suit was commenced, the attorneys from Cooper Erving & Savage LLP were able to obtain documentary evidence, as well as pre-trial testimony, which confirmed that seven officers tackled the individual to the ground, punched and kneed him multiple times, subjected him to pressure point manipulation and chemical spray, and repeatedly struck him with a steel baton. A videotape was obtained by the attorneys of Cooper Erving & Savage LLP which appeared to show an officer repeatedly kicking him.
The individual was never charged with anything stemming from the evening of the attack.
