Complaint #201607162,
August 20, 2016

Officer: Pulawski, Tomasz
Complainant: Asian Male, 21
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Interference with recording
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Officer: Pulawski, Tomasz
Complainant: Asian Male, 21
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Search (of person)
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Formalized Training)
Officer: Pulawski, Tomasz
Complainant: Asian Male, 21
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Frisk
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Formalized Training)
Officer: Pulawski, Tomasz
Complainant: Asian Male, 21
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Officer: Pulawski, Tomasz
Complainant: Asian Male, 21
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Vehicle search
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Formalized Training)
Officer: Pulawski, Tomasz
Complainant: Asian Male, 21
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Vehicle stop
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Officer: Santangelo, Frank
Complainant: Asian Male, 21
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Vehicle search
CCRB Conclusion: Unfounded
Officer Complainant Allegation CCRB Conclusion
Pulawski, Tomasz Asian Male, 21 Abuse of Authority: Interference with recording Unsubstantiated
Pulawski, Tomasz Asian Male, 21 Abuse of Authority: Search (of person) Substantiated (Formalized Training)
Pulawski, Tomasz Asian Male, 21 Abuse of Authority: Frisk Substantiated (Formalized Training)
Pulawski, Tomasz Asian Male, 21 Discourtesy: Word Unsubstantiated
Pulawski, Tomasz Asian Male, 21 Abuse of Authority: Vehicle search Substantiated (Formalized Training)
Pulawski, Tomasz Asian Male, 21 Abuse of Authority: Vehicle stop Exonerated
Santangelo, Frank Asian Male, 21 Abuse of Authority: Vehicle search Unfounded

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.
'Unfounded': Evidence suggests that the event or alleged conduct did not occur.
'Unsubstantiated': or 'Unable to Determine' - The alleged conduct was investigated but could not determine both that the conduct occurred and that it broke the rules.

Further details on conclusions.


Penalty

Pulawski, Tomasz
No Disciplinary Action-DUP
No penalty

Summary

On August 20, 2016, at approximately 7:30 p.m., a vehicle driven by [redacted] was pulled over on [redacted] near the intersection with [redacted] in Brooklyn, for failing to signal (Allegation A). Police Officers Tomasz Pulawski and Frank Santangelo of the 66th Precinct approached the vehicle and Police Officer Pulawski asked [redacted] to step out of the vehicle after observing a suspected narcotic in the door handle. Police Office Pulawski patted down the exterior of [redacted]'s clothing and lifted his shirt (Allegations B and C). Police Officer Pulawski then instructed the passengers, [redacted] and [redacted] to step out of the vehicle and they complied.
Police Officer Pulawski searched the interior of the vehicle (Allegation D). [redacted] alleged that Police Officer Santangelo searched the interior of the vehicle as well (Allegation E). After searching the vehicle, the men were allowed to get back inside. [redacted] informed Police Officer Pulawski that his search was unlawful and Police Officer Pulawski allegedly replied, "You think you're a smartass. I'm going to see you again," (Allegation F). [redacted] was filming the officers with his phone and Police Officer Pulawski allegedly covered his name and shield number with his hand to obstruct [redacted] from filming his identifying information (Allegation G). [redacted] was issued a summons by Police Officer Pulawski for failing to signal (Board Review 15). Read report for details.


Details

Incident: August 20, 2016
Closed: February 6, 2017

Reason for contact: Moving violation
Location: Street/highway
In NYPD 66th Precinct Brooklyn
Outcome: Moving violation summons issued

Video evidence collected