Charges, but No Penalty, for a Chief's Role in a (RNC) Convention Arrest

[brooklynite]

In a rare review of actions by the city's top police commanders, the Civilian Complaint Review Board has charged a deputy chief with abuse of authority for ordering the arrest of a woman during the 2004 Republican National Convention.

The deputy chief, Stephen Paragallo, ordered the arrest of a 56-year-old Brooklyn woman near Herald Square on the night of Aug. 31. The board found that there was no probable cause to arrest her, and that the chief had acted "without due and reasonable care that his actions be proper."

The board recommended a mild punishment, known as instruction, for Chief Paragallo, but Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, who has the final say, declined to administer that or any other discipline. He was following a recommendation by the Police Department's internal prosecutor, Mr. Kelly's spokesman said last night.

The board was unable to reach a consensus on the behavior of other chiefs who ordered mass arrests, and it made no public findings on complaints against them. Two other officers, a lieutenant and a sergeant, were charged last year by the board for their actions at the convention. The lieutenant retired and the sergeant lost two days of vacation.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/09/nyregion/09board.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

[acmejack]

1. That's what I call getting tough with them

That will teach them. Setting a firm example for other members of the department. Showing them that this sort of thing will not, under any circumstances, be tolerated! Right (heh, heh)...

[sybylla]

2. Sounds like it's time for a civil suit

The complaint review ruled in the woman's favor. She could use that in a civil trial. Seems the only way to change the behavior of police departments is to sue them for large chunks of cash and make a big public stink.

[HuffleClaw]

3. "declined to administer that or any other discipline."

a complete disgrace. and, 'The board was unable to reach a consensus on the behavior of other chiefs who ordered mass arrests..." a clear demonstration of the contempt these officials have for the citizens they serve.