Troy Finance Committee approves settlement in two excessive force suits

Описание: TROY -- The City Council's
Finance Committee unanimously approved a settlement for two cases against the
police department.



The men claimed they were beaten by police during separate arrests and were
seeking $25 million in damages. Corporation Counsel Ian Silverman said during a
settlement conference one man agreed to settle for $7,500 and the other for $4,000.,
which is less than legal fees would have cost even if the city won.



"We
had outside counsel in the case which would have cost us anywhere between $10,000
and $15,000 to go to trial. With two trials we're looking at anywhere between $20,000
and $30,000 and we were able to get rid of two civil rights suits in civil
court for $11,500, which is really unheard of, which I think speaks to the
merits or lack thereof of the case," said Silverman.



Under the terms of the settlement, the city isn't required to admit wrongdoing.
A police spokesperson confirmed the officers involved remain on the force. The
attorney for the two men declined to comment until the council votes on the
settlement next month.



"We fully support the actions of the officers," said Silverman. "We've never wavered
from that position. We feel we had a very defensible case had this gone to trial.
We were very confident in the success we would have had."