Complaint #9803448,
August 2, 1998

Officer: Dennedy, James
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Threat of arrest
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Officer: Dennedy, James
Allegation: Offensive Language: Black
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Officer Allegation CCRB Conclusion
Dennedy, James Abuse of Authority: Threat of arrest Exonerated
Dennedy, James Offensive Language: Black Unsubstantiated

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.
'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.


Summary

On August 2, 1998, at approximately 5:00 PM, in the vicinity of Prospect Park in Brooklyn, Mr. [redacted] was walking with [redacted] when they were approached by PO Dennedy, who shouted, "Do you have a beer in that bag?" [redacted] claims he was carrying a bottle of Pepsi inside a paper bag. PO Dennedy asked [redacted] for his I.D. While PO Dennedy checked his identification for warrants, [redacted] became upset and began to demand it back. [redacted] argued further, and PO Dennedy responded, "You know, that's what's wrong with you damn people, you are all alike." [redacted] states that PO Dennedy also called him a, "Nig," After he was arrested and taken to the 78th precinct, [redacted] spoke with the desk sergeant, Lt. Pearson, and was told by him, " You have the right to shut the fuck up." Lt. Pearson asked [redacted] to turn around, but [redacted] states that he was afraid, so he did not immediately comply. He states that Lt. Pearson then shoved him around. Read report for details.


Details

Incident: August 2, 1998
Received: August 4, 1998
Closed: August 4, 1998

Reason for contact: Stop/Question/Frisk
Outcome: No arrest made or summons issued