Conclusion Meanings:
'Exonerated': or 'Within NYPD Guidelines' - the alleged conduct occurred but did not violate the NYPD's own rules, which often give officers significant discretion.
'Unfounded': Evidence suggests that the event or alleged conduct did not occur.
'Unsubstantiated': or 'Unable to Determine' - CCRB has fully investigated but could not affirmatively conclude both that the conduct occurred and that it broke the rules.
Further details on conclusion definitions.
Berkovitz, Arthur vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 17CV03399,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, May 11, 2017, ended December 8, 2017
$13,500 Settlement
Complaint
Description: Plaintiff was driving his personal vehicle when a non-police vehicle approached from behind at an extremely high speed. Non-police vehicle was driven by Police Officer Sample. Sample began flashing his headlights at Plaintiff, and when Plaintiff switched lanes, he lowered his window, began to scream, and threw plastic bottles at the Plaintiff and his vehicle. Plaintiff then called 911. Plaintiff exited the highway and came across an NYPD vehicle, to which he called out to and informed police officers about the incident. Officer Sample had followed Plaintiff off the highway, and tackled him when he engaged with other police officers. Sample punched Plaintiff and threw him to the ground.