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.
'Substantiated': The alleged conduct occurred and it violated the rules. The NYPD has discretion over what, if any, discipline is imposed.
'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.
Brown, Imani vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 13CV01018,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, February 26, 2013
Complaint
Description: On November 15, 2011, Plaintiff was waiting on the sidewalk for a Starbucks to open to use its restroom. She approached NYPD Officers Naimoli and Plevritis and asked them if they knew of an open restroom nearby. The officers responded by taunting Plaintiff and using foul language. As Plaintiff walked away from the officers, the officers kicked her legs out from under her, pressed her face into the ground, and sprayed her in the eyes at least twice with pepper spray while they restrained her. During the officers' assault, Plaintiff felt her skirt come up and asked the officers to please pull it down, which they refused. After many hours in custody, Plaintiff was released. All charges were eventually dismissed.