Use of a videotape as evidence in disciplinary hearing
Paulin v City of New York, App. Div., 288 A.D.2d 153
On of the elements in the Paulin case was the use of a videotape in a disciplinary hearing.
Fred Paulin, a New York City police officer, was charged with misconduct. The Police Commissioner found Paulin guilty of having stolen merchandise from a store and imposed the penalty of dismissal.
In dismissing Paulin's appeal, the Appellate Division ruled that the Commissioner's decision was supported by substantial evidence, including a videotape of the incident.
Further, said the court, under the circumstances, imposing the penalty of dismissal "does not shock our sense of fairness."