William Cooke

Former Lieutenant at Disorder Control Unit
Also served at Patrol Borough Queens North Task Force
Service started July 1988, ended December 2011, Tax #894578
White Male

Complaints

2 Complaints
4 Allegations
0 Substantiated
2 Complaint Withdrawn
1 Exonerated
1 Unsubstantiated

Complaint #200610762, August 2006
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Hispanic Female, 23
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Hispanic Male, 26
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
additional details

Complaint #200603730, March 2006
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Threat of arrest
Complainant: Male, 26
CCRB Conclusion: Complaint Withdrawn
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Refusal to provide name/shield number
Complainant: Male, 26
CCRB Conclusion: Complaint Withdrawn
additional details

Complaint #200610762, August 2006
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Force: Physical force Hispanic Female, 23 Exonerated
Discourtesy: Word Hispanic Male, 26 Unsubstantiated
additional details
Complaint #200603730, March 2006
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse of Authority: Threat of arrest Male, 26 Complaint Withdrawn
Abuse of Authority: Refusal to provide name/shield number Male, 26 Complaint Withdrawn
additional details

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.
'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.


Lawsuits

Named in 2 known lawsuits.

Mediavilla, Jose vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV08624, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, December 3, 2014, ended September 18, 2017
Settlement
Complaint
Description: On November 5, 2011, plaintiff was participating in an Occupy Wall Street demonstration. Defendant police officers prevented the protest participants from ascending the steps of the New York State Supreme Court building. Although no disorderly conduct was being committed, politce Lt. Michael Zielinski, on instruction from police deputy chief Steve Anger, used a bullhorn to issue an unlawful order to disperse. Plaintiff attempted to alert police officers that prohibiting access to the steps was unconstitutional, and as the officers continued to block access, plaintiff began chanting "Treason!" Without warning, officers grabbed plaintiff, forcing him away from the other demonstrators. Officers including PO Anthon...

Collins, Marilyn, et al. vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV08815, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, November 6, 2014
Complaint
Description: On November 5, 2011, Plaintiffs were protesting near the Supreme Court building when they were ordered to disperse. Failing to comply, they were arrested. Plaintiff Marilyn Collins was held for four hours and ticketed for disorderly conduct. She attended court eight times before her ticket was dismissed on speedy trial grounds. Plaintiff Jennifer Heinz was held for four hours and ticketed for disorderly conduct. She attended court nine times before her ticket was dismissed on speedy trial grounds. Plaintiff Elizabeth Lepenne was held for four hours and ticketed for disorderly conduct. Prosecutors declined to prosecute her on January 10, 2012. Plaintiff Emilou Maclean was held for four hours and ticketed...