July 12, 2013

Suspensions without pay deemed appropriate penalties under the circumstances

Suspensions without pay deemed appropriate penalties under the circumstances
105 AD3d 613

The New York City Department of Correction suspended one correction officer, “M” for sixty days without pay and a second correction officer, “S” for thirty days without pay. M was found guilty using excessive force against an inmate and making false and misleading statements; S was found guilty of misconduct in preparing an official report and making false and misleading statements.

Finding that the Department’s determinations were supported by substantial evidence, the Appellate Division sustained the Department’s decision. As to the penalty imposed, citing the “Pell” standard, the court said that the “The penalty imposed does not shock one's sense of fairness” (Pell v Board of Educ. of Union Free School Dist. No. 1 of Towns of Scarsdale & Mamaroneck, Westchester County, 34 NY2d 222).

The decision is posted on the Internet at:
http://www.nycourts.gov/reporter/3dseries/2013/2013_02698.htm