Complaint #201507002,
August 17, 2015

Officer: Slavin, James
Complainant: Black Female, 28
Allegation: Force: Physical force
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
NYPD Disposition: APU Not guilty
Officer: Slavin, James
Complainant: Black Male, 30
Allegation: Force: Chokehold
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
NYPD Disposition: APU Guilty
Officer: Slavin, James
Complainant: Black Male, 30
Allegation: Force: Other
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
Officer: Slavin, James
Complainant: White Female, 24
Allegation: Force: Physical force
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Officer: Slavin, James
Complainant: Black Male, 30
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Retaliatory summons
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
NYPD Disposition: APU Not guilty
Officer Complainant Allegation CCRB Conclusion
Slavin, James Black Female, 28 Force: Physical force Substantiated (Charges)
NYPD Disposition: APU Not guilty
Slavin, James Black Male, 30 Force: Chokehold Substantiated (Charges)
NYPD Disposition: APU Guilty
Slavin, James Black Male, 30 Force: Other Substantiated (Charges)
Slavin, James White Female, 24 Force: Physical force Exonerated
Slavin, James Black Male, 30 Abuse of Authority: Retaliatory summons Substantiated (Charges)
NYPD Disposition: APU Not guilty

Conclusion Meanings:

'Exonerated': or 'Within NYPD Guidelines' - The conduct occurred but did not violate the NYPD's own rules, which often give officers significant discretion.
'Substantiated': The misconduct occurred and it violated the rules. The NYPD has discretion over what, if any, discipline is imposed.

Further details on conclusions.


Penalty

Slavin, James
Closed: Guilty after trial-PC Approved, July 6, 2018
Forfeit vacation 10 days

Summary

On August 17, 2015, at approximately 8:35 p.m., [redacted] as well as 20-30 other unidentified individuals participated in a protest organized through Black Lives Matter in the vicinity of 230 East 50th Street, in Manhattan. The group had turned down 50th Street after marching south on 3rd Avenue, and had been marching on several surrounding streets before that. They marched in active traffic lanes, and on several occasions intentionally blocked traffic.
On 50th Street, SGT James Slavin, of the 17th Precinct, followed the group in the street and repeatedly told people to get out of the street and onto the sidewalk. No one complied with SGT Slavin's instructions. SGT Slavin walked up beside [redacted] and made the decision to arrest her for disorderly conduct. SGT Slavin pushed [redacted] against a car parked nearby, and shortly thereafter brought her to the ground (Allegation A). After initiating the arrest of [redacted] SGT Slavin called for back-up over the radio. While they were on the ground, [redacted] kneeled beside them, and attempted to physically intervene in the arrest of [redacted] SGT Slavin pushed [redacted] out of the way (Allegation B). As they were on the ground, the protesters surrounded SGT Slavin and [redacted] and began shouting at SGT Slavin.
At this time, PO Brian Devita and PO Cliff Mueller arrived on the scene in response to SGT Slavin's call for assistance. PO Devita handcuffed [redacted] and SGT Slavin stood up and attempted to disperse the crowd that was still surrounding them on the street. SGT Slavin approached [redacted] who was standing in the street shouting at him. SGT Slavin walked towards [redacted] and told him several times to back up. [redacted] took several steps back and continued to shout at SGT Slavin, "Who do you protect? Who do you serve? Who pays your salary?"
At this point, SGT Slavin reached out to grab [redacted] s wrist. [redacted] pulled away and jumped back onto the sidewalk, turning his body away from SGT Slavin in the process. SGT Slavin immediately... Read report for details.


Details

Incident: August 17, 2015
Received: August 20, 2015
Closed: December 21, 2015
Last Updated: October 2, 2025

Reason for contact: Demonstration/protest
Location: Street/highway
In NYPD 17th Precinct Manhattan
Outcome: Arrest - disorderly conduct

Witness Officers: Brian Devita, Cliff Mueller, Peter Scourtos, Ryan Wood
Video evidence collected