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.
'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.
Sandel, Melissa, et al. vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 15CV08950,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, December 9, 2015, ended May 24, 2018
$38,500 Settlement
Complaint
Description: Defendant Officers forcibly entered basement of residence without a warrant, arrested Plaintiffs, took them to the 42nd Precinct, strip searched them (one Plaintiff was strip-searched twice), and charged them with disorderly conduct, which was later dismissed as legally insufficient.