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.
'Unfounded': Evidence suggests that the event or alleged conduct did not occur.
'Within NYPD Guidelines': The alleged conduct occurred but did not violate the NYPD's own rules, which often give officers significant discretion.
Further details on conclusion definitions.
Pridgen, Lawrence vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV00085,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, April 2, 2014, ended February 4, 2015
$15,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On January 27, 2011, as plaintiff was entering a building to visit a friend when defendant police officers approached plaintiff, asked his name and began to pat him down. Despite the defendants not having probably cause to believe the plaintiff had committed any crimes or offenses, the officers placed plaintiff in handcuffs. Plaintiff's friend went down and told the officers that plaintiff was his guest, but the defendants ignored him. Plaintiff was then taken to the precinct where the officers falsely informed employees of the Queens DA's office that they observed plaintiff trespassing. All charges brought were later dismissed.